Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 11888F I ~ ,. _, CITY OF FORT WORTH ELECTRICAL CODE ORDINANCE ADOPTING AND AMENDING THE 1993 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE ORDINANCE NUMBER "~ AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 1993 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE WITH AMENDMENTS AND AMENDING THE SIGN CODE BY REPEALING AND AMENDING SECTIONS 11-1 THROUGH 11- 3 AND 2 9 -13 6 THROUGH 2 9 -161 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, REGULATING THE SAFEGUARDING OF PERSONS AND PROPERTY AND PROMOTING THE PUBLIC WELFARE; DEFINING TERMS; _--, PROVIDING STANDARDS FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT AND SIGNS AND FOR ITS INSTALLATION AND REQUIRING CONFORMITY THEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF PERMITS AND THE COLLECTION OF' FEES THEREOF; CREATING AN ELECTRICAL BOARD AND PRESCRIBING ITS DUTIES; REQUIRING AND REGULATING LICENSES FOR MASTER, JOURNEYMAN, MAINTENANCE, RESIDENTIAL WIREMAN, MASTER SIGN AND JOURNEYMAN SIGN ELECTRICIANS AND PRESCRIBING THE FEES THEREOF; PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR THE VIOLATION THEREOF; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE CUMULATIVE; PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING A SAVINGS CLAUSE; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN PAMPHLET FORM; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION IN THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE 1 SECTION 1 Sections 11-1 through 11-3 of the Code of the City of Fort Worth (1986) are replaced with a new 11-1 and it-2 to read as follows: SEC. 11-1. 1993 EDITION OF THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE ADOPTED. (a) The Electrical Code of the City of Fort Worth is hereby revised and amended to conform to the 1993 edition of the National Electrical Code of the National Fire Protection Association, as amended, and is hereby adopted as the Electrical Code of the City of Fort Worth from the effective date thereof. (b) One (1) copy of the 1993 edition of the National Electrical Code, marked Exhibit "A", is incorporated herein by reference and shall be filed in the office of the City Secretary for permanent record and inspection. SEC. 11-2. AMENDMENTS. (a) The 1993 edition of the National Electrical Code (Exhibit "A") is hereby amended as provided in this section Three (3) copies of such amendments are specifically incorporated herein by reference and shall be filed in the office of the City Secretary 2 for permanent record and inspection (b) Articles 90-1 through 90-6 of the 1993 edition of the National Electrical Code are deleted and replaced with a new Administrative Section, Chapters A through E, to read as follows ADMINISTRATIVE Chapter A Title, Scope and General r Sec. A01. Title. These regulations shall be known as the "Fort Worth Electrical Code," may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as "this code". Sec. A02. Purpose. (a) Practical Safeguarding. The purpose of this Code is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the installation and alteration of electrical equipment, which shall include electrical conductors, fittings, devices, sign primaries, fixtures, motors, generators, starters, controls, raceways and that part of elevator installations consisting of signal systems, fans, 3 electric lighting fixtures, illuminated thresholds, feeder conductors and raceways tO motor and generator disconnect switches and controllers and all electrical installations in connection with interlocking devices, other than on automatic elevators, located within or on public and private buildings and premises except as excluded by Section A03(b); and by regulating and licensing those persons who will install or maintain such electrical equipment (b) Adequacy. This code contains provisions considered necessary for safety. Compliance therewith and proper maintenance will result in an installation essentially free from hazard, but not necessarily efficient, convenient, or adequate for good service or future expansion of electrical use. (c) Intention. This code is not intended as a design specification nor an instruction manual for untrained persons. (d) The purpose of this code is not to create or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefitted by the terms of this code. Sec. A03. Scope. (a) Covered. This code covers: 1 The installation and alteration of electrical equipment, which shall include electrical conductors, fittings, devices, sign primaries, fixtures, motors, generators, starters, controls, raceways and that part of elevator installations consisting of signal systems, fans, electrical lighting fixtures, illuminated thresholds, feeder conductor and raceways to motor and 4 generator disconnect switches and controllers and all electrical installations in connection with interlocking devices, other than on automatic elevators, located within or on public and private buildings and premises, except as excluded by paragraph (b) below. 2 Registration and licensing of those persons who will install or maintain such electrical equipment (b) Not Covered. This code does not cover: 1. Installations in ships, watercraft other than floating buildings, railway rolling stock, aircraft, or automotive vehicles. 2. Installations underground in mines 3. The installation and equipment employed by a railway utility in the exercise of its functions as a utility, and located outdoors or in buildings used exclusively for that purpose, but the provisions of this code shall apply to installations and equipment used for light, heat, power, decoration, amusement, and all other purposes located within or on such buildings or premises. 4 Installations by or for communications agencies in connection with the operation of signals or the transmission of intelligence, nor to the employee making such installation by or for such agencies, but the provisions of this code shall apply to installations for heat, decoration, amusement, ventilating equipment, and general lighting not attached to and power not directly used in connection with installations for communications, signals, and the transmission of intelligence 5 The installation, alteration or repair of electrical 5 equipment installed by or for an electrical supply agency for the use of such agency in the generation, transmission, distribution or metering of electricity when such equipment is located within or on such buildings or premises used by such agency for said purposes, or when such equipment is located on public thoroughfares; however, the provisions of this code shall apply to all other electrical installations or equipment used for any other purposes not specifically excepted herein and located within or on such buildings or premises 6. Special radio equipment used exclusively for radio transmissions by persons or organizations licensed to operate by the Federal Communications Commission; however, the provisions of this code shall apply to all electrical equipment used for power supply to radio transmitting equipment. 7. The installation, alteration, or repair of electrical equipment for the operation of signals or the transmission of intelligence, or to installations of communications facilities by or for communications agencies 8. Any work involved in the manufacturing or testing of electrical equipment or apparatus, except that this exception shall not include any permanent wiring 9 Installation in mobile dwelling structures, trailers and other structures designed for portability 10 Installation and maintenance of outdoor security lighting and appurtenances to outdoor security lighting which are owned, operated and maintained by an electric utility and installed 6 on property owned by the utility or for which a written agreement is entered into between the utility and the property owner granting ..• to the utility the right to construct, operate and maintain outdoor security lighting and appurtenances to outdoor security lighting; provided that the utility. (a) remains responsible for the safe operations and maintenance of the installation; (b) adheres to the provisions of the National Electrical Safety Code or its successor; (c) installs the security lighting on utility owned facilities; and, (d) complies with all other applicable ordinances, rules and regulations of the City of Fort Worth. Application to Existing Electrical Systems and Equipment Sec. A04. (a) Additions, Alterations or Repairs. Additions, alterations or repairs may be made to any electrical system and equipment without requiring the existing electrical system and equipment to comply with all the requirements of this code, provided the addition, alteration or repair conforms to that required for a new electrical system and equipment and provided further that no hazard to life, health or safety will be created by such additions, alterations or repairs Minor additions, alterations and repairs to existing electrical systems and equipment may be made in accordance with the law in effect at the time the original installation was made, when 7 approved by the Chief Electrical Inspector (b) Txisting Installations. Electrical systems and equipment lawfully in existence at the time of the adoption of this code may have their use, maintenance or repair continued if the use, maintenance or repair is in accordance with the original design, if no hazard to life, health or property has been created by such electrical system and equipment, and if the electrical system and equipment are maintained in good repair. (c) Changes in Building Occupancy. Electrical systems and equipment which are a part of any building or structure undergoing a change in use or occupancy, as defined in the Building Code, shall comply with the requirements of this code which are applicable to the new use or occupancy (d) Maintenance. All electrical systems and equipment, both existing and new, and all parts thereof shall be maintained in a proper operating condition in accordance with the original design and in a safe and hazard-free condition. All devices or safeguards which are required by this code shall be maintained in conformance with this code The owner or designated agent shall be responsible for the maintenance of the electrical system. To determine compliance with this subsection, the Chief Electrical Inspector may cause any electrical system to be reinspected (e) Moved Buildings. Electrical systems and equipment which are a part of buildings or structures moved into or within this jurisdiction shall comply with the provisions of this code for new installations 8 EXCEPTIONS: The factory installed and inspected systems of: 1 HUD approved mobile homes 2. Texas State approved modular homes. 3. Texas State approved industrialized buildings Conflicting Provisions Sec. A05. Where, in any specific case, different sections of this code specify different materials, methods of construction or other requirements, the most restrictive shall govern. Alternate Materials and Methods of Constructioa Sec. A06. The provisions of this code are not intended to prevent the use of any material or method of construction not specifically prescribed by this code, provided any alternate has been approved and its use authorized by the Chief Electrical Inspector. The Chief Electrical Inspector may approve any alternate, provided that the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the provisions of this code and that the material, method or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this code in suitability, strength, effectiveness, fire resistance, durability and safety The Chief Electrical Inspector shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to substantiate any claims regarding the use of alternates The details of any action granting approval of an alternate shall be recorded and entered in the files of the 9 code enforcement agency Modifications Sec. A07. Whenever there are practical difficulties involved in carrying out the provisions of this code, the Chief Electrical Inspector may grant modifications for individual cases, provided that a special individual reason makes the strict letter of this code impractical and the modification is in conformity with the intent and purposes of this code, and that such modification does not lessen health, life and fire safety requirements. The details of actions granting modifications shall be recorded and entered in the files of the code enforcement agency. Tests Sec. A08. Whenever there is insufficient evidence of compliance with any of the provisions of this code or evidence that materials or construction do not conform to the requirements of this code, the Chief Electrical Inspector may require tests as evidence of compliance to be made at no expense to this jurisdiction Test methods shall be as specified by this code or by other recognized test standards In the absence of recognized and accepted test methods for the proposed alternate, the Chief Electrical Inspector shall determine test procedures All tests shall be made by an approved agency Reports of such tests shall be retained by the Chief Electrical Inspector for the period required for the retention of public records 10 Chapter B ORGANIZATION AND SNFORCBrSENT Powers and Duties of the Chief $lectrical Inspector Sec. BO1. (a) General. The Chief Electrical Inspector is hereby authorized and directed to enforce all the provisions of this code. For such purposes, the Chief Electrical Inspector shall have the powers of a law enforcement officer. 1. The Chief Electrical Inspector shall have complete jurisdiction for enforcement of this code. The Chief Electrical Inspector shall be the only administrator and shall not be superseded Any person, organization, association, official., management, programs, department, service, commission, agency, utilities, operation, office, director, or board shall have the right to appeal a decision of the Chief Electrical Inspector to the Electrical Board of the City of Fort Worth. 2. The Chief Electrical Inspector shall be of good moral character, shall be possessed of such executive ability as is requisite for the performance of his duties, and shall have a thorough knowledge of the standard materials and methods used in the installation of electrical equipment; shall be well versed in approved methods of construction for safety to persons and property, the statutes of the State of Texas relating to electrical work and any other, rules, and regulations issued by authority thereof, the National Electrical Safety Code, and the National Electrical Code as approved by the American Standards Association; 11 shall have had at least five years experience as an electrical inspector or in the installation of electrical equipment, at least two years of which shall have been in a responsible supervisory capacity; or in lieu of such experience shall be a graduate in electrical. engineering of an accredited college or university, or graduated from a Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (a division of the U S Department of Labor) apprenticeship program, and shall have had two years practical electrical experience. 3. It shall be unlawful for the Chief Electrical Inspector or any Electrical Inspector, while employed by the City of Fort t Worth, to engage in the business of the sale, installation, repair or maintenance of electrical equipment, either directly or indirectly, or to have financial interest in any concern engaged in such business in the City of Fort Worth, Texas 4. The Chief Electrical Inspector` and all Electrical Inspectors shall have the power to cause the arrest of any person violating any of the provisions of this code (b) Deputies. In accordance with prescribed procedures and with approval of the appointing authority, the Chief Electrical Inspector may appoint such assistants, who shall be designated Electrical Inspectors, for the proper conduct of his office and the inspection of electrical installations as provided for in this code The Chief Electrical Inspector may delegate any of his powers. or duties to any such Electrical Inspectors and may appoint an Assistant Chief to assist in the administration of his duties 12 (c) Duties of the Chief $lectrical Inspector. The Chief Electrical Inspector shall enforce the provisions of this code The Chief Electrical Inspector shall keep complete records of all permits issued, inspections and reinspections made and other official work performed in accordance with the provisions of this code He shall also keep on file a list of electrical equipment inspected and certified by Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc or other quality testing laboratories, which list shall be accessible for public reference during regular office hours. (d) Right of Lntry. Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this code, or whenever the Chief Electrical Inspector or an authorized representative has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in a building or premises a condition or code violation which makes such building or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous, the Chief Electrical Inspector or an authorized representative may enter such building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform any duty imposed upon the Chief Electrical Inspector by this code, provided that if such building or premises be occupied, the Chief Electrical Inspector shall first present proper credentials and request entry. If such building or premises is unoccupied, the Chief Electrical Inspector shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other persons having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If entry be refused, the Chief Electrical Inspector or an authorized representative shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry 13 When the Chief Electrical Inspector or an authorized representative shall have first obtained a proper inspection warrant or other remedy provided by law to secure entry, an owner or occupant or other persons having charge, care or control of the building or premises shall not fail or neglect, after proper request is made as herein provided, to promptly permit entry therein by the Chief Electrical Inspector or authorized representative for the purpose of inspection and examination pursuant to this code. It shall be unlawful for any person to hinder or interfere with the Chief Electrical Inspector or any of the Electrical Inspectors in the discharge of their duties under this code (e) Stop Orders. Whenever work is being done contrary to the provisions of this code, the Chief Electrical Inspector may order the work stopped by notice in writing served on persons engaged in the doing or causing such work to be done, and such persons shall forthwith stop such work until authorized by the Chief Electrical Inspector to proceed with the work. (f) Authority to Disconnect IItilities. 1 The Chief Electrical Inspector or authorized representative shall have the authority to disconnect electric power or energy service supplied to the building, structure or building service equipment therein regulated by this code in case of emergency where necessary to eliminate an immediate hazard to life or property The Chief Electrical Inspector shall whenever possible notify the serving utility, the owner and occupant of the 14 building, structure or electrical system or equipment of the decision t~o disconnect prior to taking such action, and shall notify the serving utility, owner and occupant of the building, structure or building service equipment, in writing, of the disconnect immediately thereafter 2 The power company may disconnect service to a premise according to the following conditions: A. Non-payment of bill. F B. Point of attachment C. Meter height not correct. D. Meter not wired correctly. E Termination of service conductors or lateral. NOTE: The power company must notify the Chief Electrical Inspector to disconnect power except for non-payment of bill 3. The electrical supply agency shall disconnect the electrical service to mobile homes in mobile home parks or to any building or premises except single-family and duplex residences each time such building or premises changes ownership, is leased, or changes occupancy, and it shall not again supply electricity to such buildings or premises until authorized to do so by the Chief Electrical Inspector. (g) Authority to Condemn Electrical System and Equipment. Whenever the Chief Electrical Inspector ascertains that an electrical system or equipment regulated in this code has become hazardous to life, health or property, the Chief Electrical 15 Inspector shall order in writing that such electrical system or equipment either be removed or restored to a safe condition, whichever is appropriate. The written notice itself shall fix a time limit for compliance with such order Persons shall not use or maintain defective electrical systems or equipment after receiving notice. When an electrical system or equipment is maintained in violation of this code and in violation of a notice issued pursuant to the provisions of this section, the Chief Electrical Inspector shall institute appropriate action to prevent, restrain, correct or abate the violation. (h) Connection. Persons shall not make connections from an energy or power supply nor supply power to any electrical system or equipment which has been disconnected or ordered to be disconnected by the Chief Electrical Inspector, or the use of which has been ordered to be discontinued by the Chief Electrical Inspector, until the Chief Electrical Inspector authorizes the reconnection and use of the electrical system or equipment. SXC$PTION: Single-family or duplex residences where work was performed that does not require a permit, that were not ordered disconnected by the Chief Electrical Inspector, nor are in a hazardous condition (i) Liability. The Chief Electrical Inspector, or an authorized representative charged with the enforcement of this code, acting in good faith and without malice in the discharge of duties, shall not thereby be rendered personally liable for .any 16 damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of an act or by reason of an act or omission in the discharge of duties. A suit brought against the Chief Electrical Inspector or deputies because of an act or omission performed by the Chief Electrical Inspector or deputies in the enforcement of provisions of this code shall be defended by legal counsel provided by this jurisdiction until final termination of such proceedings, and any judgment ` resulting therefrom shall be assumed by this jurisdiction. This code shall not be construed to relieve from or lessen the responsibility of a person owning, operating or controlling any building, structure or building service equipment therein for any damages to persons or property caused by defects, nor shall the code enforcement agency or its parent jurisdiction be held as assuming such liability by reason of the inspections authorized by this code or approvals issued under this code. (j) Cooperation of Other Officials and Officers. The Chief Electrical Inspector may request, and shall receive so far as is required in the discharge of duties, the assistance and cooperation of other officials of this jurisdiction. IInsafe Electrical Systeans or Equipment. Sec. B02. (a). Electrical systems or equipment regulated by this code which are unsafe, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life are, for the purpose of this section, unsafe Use of electrical systems or equipment regulated by this code constituting a hazard to safety, health or public welfare by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, 17 obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster, damage or abandonment is, for the purpose of this section, an unsafe use Unsafe electrical systems or equipment are hereby declared to be public nuisances and shall be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal (b) As used in this code, "safe operation" as applied to electrical installation and electrical equipment means installations and equipment which, in the opinion of the Chief Electrical Inspector, can be used in the service for which the same are intended or likely to be used with minimum hazard to life, limb, or property (c) When any electrical equipment is found by the Chief Electrical Inspector to be dangerous to persons or property, he shall notify the persons or agent responsible for the electrical equipment in writing, and such persons shall make any changes or repairs which are required to make such equipment in safe conditions within ten (10) days or longer period that may be specified by the Chief Electrical Inspector in such notice. (d) When the person has been duly notified and does not make the required changes or repairs to the electrical equipment within the period set out in the notice, then the Chief Electrical Inspector shall have the authority to disconnect or order the electric supply agency to disconnect such electrical equipment and the premises in or upon which the same is located from the source of electricity (e) All buildings or structures subjected to damage by 18 l deterioration by fire shall be inspected by the Chief Electrical Inspector, and all unsafe wiring or electrical equipment shall be repaired or replaced. Board of Appeals Sec. B03. (a) Created. There is hereby created an Electrical Board of the City of Fort Worth composed of nine members, appointed by the City Manager, by and with the advice and consent of the City Council, as follows: Place #1. One Master Electrician who is engaged in the business of installation of electrical equipment in the City and is licensed by the City This place shall be nominated by the National Electrical Contractor's Association. Place #2. One Master Electrician who is engaged in the business of installation of electrical equipment in the City and is licensed by the City. This place shall be nominated by the Independent Electrical Contractors Association. Place #3. One Electrical Engineer registered in the State of Texas who is not employed by the City of Fort Worth This place is nominated by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Place #4. One Electrical Contractor who is engaged in the business of installation of electrical equipment within the City and who is a Master Electrician licensed by the City This place is nominated by independent electrical contractors who are not associated with the National 19 Electrical Contractors Association or the Independent Electrical Contractors Association Place #5. One Sign Contractor who is engaged in the business of installing electric signs within the City and who is a licensed Master Sign Electrician as defined by the Ordinance of the City of Fort Worth This place is nominated by the Sign Association. Place #6. One licensed Journeyman Electrician who is licensed to engage in the electrical trade in the City of Fort Worth, and who is actively engaged with the tools of the trade as a Journeyman Electrician in the trade within the City. This place is nominated by the Independent Electrical Contractors Association Place #7. One licensed Journeyman Electrician who is licensed to engage in the electrical trade in the City of Fort Worth, and who is actively engaged with the tools of the trade as a Journeyman Electrician in the trade within the City This place is nominated by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Place #8. One resident of the City of Fort Worth above the age of 25 years who is not engaged in any branch of the construction industry. Place #9. One resident of the City of Fort Worth above the age of 25 years who is not engaged in any branch of the construction industry (b) Tenure. The members shall hold office for a term of two 20 (2) years unless relieved for cause prior to that time Members in even-numbered places shall be appointed in even-numbered years Members in odd-numbered places shall be appointed in odd-numbered years. No member shall serve more than three consecutive two-year terms, and the terms of current members of the Electrical Board of the City of Fort Worth shall be counted toward the limit of terms to be served for purposes of this ordinance. The members shall serve until their successors are appointed. All .members shall serve without compensation, except for reimbursement for authorized expenses attendant to the performance of their duties. (c) Successors; Removal from Office. Should anyone of the nine members of the Electrical Board die, become unable to act for any reason, resign or be removed for cause, as hereinafter provided, the City Manager shall appoint a successor to fill the unexpired term or to serve until a new member can be duly appointed. The City Council may remove any member of the Electrical Board for just cause during the term of which he may be appointed The action of the City Council in such matters shall be final Employment of the Journeyman Electrician member of the Electrical Board by any of the Master Electrician members or the Master Sign Electrician member of the Electrical Board for as long as two consecutive months shall automatically disqualify the 21 r Journeyman Electrician from further membership on the Electrical Board. (d) Absence. When a member is absent from three (3) successive meetings or misses twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the meetings of the Electrical Board in a twelve (12) month period, the Secretary of the Electrical Board shall report this fact to the City Secretary Thereafter, such member shall be subject to removal by the City Council as provided in Section 2-82 of the City Code. (e) Secretary. The Chief Electrical Inspector of the City of Fort Worth shall be the Secretary of the Electrical Board The Chief Electrical Inspector shall not vote when the Electrical Board is reviewing appeals to the technical provisions of the code but may vote on those matters relating to licensing and during the formulation process of codes The Chief Electrical Inspector shall enforce and execute all legal decisions and orders of the Electrical Board (f) Quorum. Five members of the Electrical Board present at any meeting shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business or the carrying out of any duties Any action taken at any meeting shall require the affirmative vote of at least five members The Chairman of any meeting of the Electrical Board shall vote (g) Powers and Duties. The Board shall have no authority relative to the administrative provisions of this code 22 The Board shall have the authority and power to: 1. Make rulings on matters arising out of this code 2. Approve alternate and new materials, methods, devices, etc in accordance with the intent and purpose of this code However, the Electrical Board shall have no power to limit, amend, modify or change the provisions of this code 3. Make and promulgate its own rules governing its meetings and proceedings, including selection of a Chairman and Vice- Chairman, subject to the provisions of this code. 4. Hear appeals of persons aggrieved by orders or decisions made by the Chief Electrical Inspector, his assistants or the Building Official as they relate to this code and shall render a decision on each appeal. The Electrical Board shall have the power in all cases appealed to it to affirm, reverse or modify in whole or in part the decision or order which is appealed from No decision of the Electrical Board shall vary or be inconsistent with the terms, provisions and requirements of this code 5. Review all proposed amendments to this code and shall recommend to City Council such changes or amendments as are deemed appropriate. 6 Study and review the provisions of this code approximately every three years, with each new publication, and recommend any necessary changes and/or improvements to the City Council 23 7 Establish and review criteria for reciprocal agreements with other cities Approve, reject or discontinue such agreements in accordance with Chapter E of this Code 8. Review and approve all applications for Electrical Licenses in accordance with Chapter D of this Code and make determination for acceptance or denial. 9. When asked by the Building Official: (a) Recommend the acceptability and adequacy of materials, equipment and method of construction as they relate electrically to signs. (b) Hear appeals and make recommendations on interpretations by the Building Official on the electrical provisions of the Sign Code of the City of Fort Worth 10. Review the qualifications and testing standards of alternate examining agencies and make advisory recommendations to the Building Official as authorized in Chapter E of this Code (h) Appeal Procedure. Any person, firm, company or corporation aggrieved by a decision or order of the Building Official or Chief Electrical Inspector as it relates to this code may appeal such decision or order to the Electrical Board Every appeal must be filed with the Chief Electrical Inspector in writing within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the decision or order appealed from Such appeal shall be in duplicate, shall refer to the specific decision or order appealed from and shall clearly state the appellant's grounds for appeal 24 The Building Official and Chief Electrical Inspector shall transmit to the Electrical Board all records and data in their possession which are relevant to the appeal. At the time of filing an appeal, the appellant shall pay a non-refundable appeal fee as set forth in Table No C-1 EXCEPTION: The fee will not be required for those applicants meeting exceptions 3, 4, or 5 of Section C06 (a) . Such appeals shall be placed on the agenda of the Electrical Board for hearing. The Secretary of the Board shall notify all necessary parties of the date and location of the hearing. Parties may appear before the Electrical Board in person, by agents, or by attorney. The Electrical Board may require such additional data and tests it deems necessary for an adequate decision of the appeal. (i) Stay of Proceedings. All orders or decisions made pursuant to this code which are appealed from shall be stayed pending the final decision of the Electrical Board However, if the Building Official or Chief Electrical Inspector certifies to the Electrical Board that by staying such order or decision a hazardous situation to life or property would exist, then such order or decision shall remain in full effect pending the final decision of the Electrical Board Violations Sec. B04. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move 25 improve, remove, convert or demolish, equip, use or maintain an electrical system or equipment or cause or permit the same to be done in violation of this code Any person, firm or corporation who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or refuses to comply with or who resists the enforcement of any of the provisions of this code with respect to fire and life safety shall be fined not more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) for each offense, and with respect to all other provisions of this Code shall be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500 00) for each offense. Each day that a violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense 26 Chapter C PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS Permits Sec. CO1. (a) Permits Required. Except as specified in Subsection (b) of this section, no electrical system regulated by this code shall be installed, altered, repaired, replaced or remodeled unless a separate electrical permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the Chief Electrical Inspector. A separate permit may be required for each separate electrical service or meter installed EXCEPTION: In trailer and mobile home parks, the individual trailer or mobile home disconnect switches shall not be deemed separate services. A permit shall be required to inspect and approve power to mobile homes in mobile home parks where an occupant has moved out and a new occupant moves in. All hazardous wiring shall be corrected before such approval. Permits shall be issued for electrical fences only upon approval by the Electrical Board (b) Exempt Work. An electrical permit shall not be required for the following: 1 Portable motors or other portable appliances energized by means of a cord or cable having an attachment 27 plug end to be connected to an approved receptacle when that cord or cable is permitted by this code. 2. Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles, but not the outlets thereof 3 Repair or replacement of any overcurrent device of the required capacity in the same location • 4 Repair or replacement of electrodes or transformers of the same size and capacity for signs or gas tube systems 5. Taping joints. 6. Removal of electrical wiring. 7. Temporary wiring for experimental purposes in suitable experimental laboratories. 8. Electrical wiring, devices, appliances, apparatus or equipment operating at less than 25 volts and not capable of supplying more than 50 watts of energy. 9. Low-energy power, control and signal circuits of Classes II and III as defined in this code. 10 Electrical maintenance work, as defined in this code, that is performed by an individual properly authorized to do such work under Section COS. Exception from the permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction Application for Permit 28 , Sec. C02. (a) Application. Application for a permit required herein shall be made by' the Master Electrician installing the work. To obtain a permit, the applicant shall first file an application therefore in writing on a form furnished by the Building Official for that purpose. Every such application shall: 1 Identify and describe the work to be covered by the permit for which application is made 2. Describe the land on which the proposed work is to be done by legal description, street address or similar description that will readily identify and definitely locate the proposed building or work. 3 Indicate the use or occupancy for which the proposed work is intended. 4 Be accompanied by plans, diagrams, computation and specifications and other data as required in Subsection (b) of this section. 5 Be signed by permittee, or authorized agent. 6 Give such other data and information as may be required by the Chief Electrical Inspector. The Building Official may make and issue in writing such administrative regulations in connection with the filing of applications of permits by telephone, the filing and recording of applications and permits and the billing and collecting of fees (b) Plans and Specifications. The Chief Electrical Inspector may require plans and specifications to be prepared by or under the direction of a registered professional electrical engineer licensed 29 by the State of Texas When the plans and specifications are not prepared by an engineer, the Chief Electrical Inspector may require the applicant submitting the documents to demonstrate that State law does not require them to be prepared by an engineer. The individual responsible for the electrical design shall furnish to the Plan Checking Section a complete set of electrical plans and specifications for each project Plans shall be submitted and approved prior to issuing the building permit. The plans shall indicate all necessary information required, such as: 1. Calculated loads. 2. Main and feeder sizes. 3. Maximum short circuit current available at each point of application of each protective device used on the project. 4. Electrical panel locations and clearances. The Chief Electrical Inspector may require diagrams, y calculations, or any other additional information when, in his opinion, they are necessary to show compliance with this code The Chief Electrical Inspector may waive the submission of any or all portions of the plans and specifications if it is found that the nature of the work applied for is such that reviewing those documents is not necessary to obtain compliance with this code 30 All plans, specifications, and accompanying data involved with the practice of engineering or architecture shall comply with all state and local laws governing the practice of engineering or architecture (c) Expiration of Plan Review. Applications for which no permit is issued within 180 days following the date of application shall expire by limitation, and plans and other data submitted for review may thereafter be returned to the applicant or destroyed by the Chief Electrical Inspector. The Chief Electrical Inspector may extend the time for action by the applicant for a period not exceeding 180 days upon request by the applicant showing that circumstances beyond the control of the applicant have prevented action from being taken No application shall be extended more than once. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans. Permits Issuance Sec. C03. (a) Issuance. The application, plans and specifications,. and other data, filed by an applicant for permit shall be reviewed by the Chief Electrical Inspector. Such plans may be reviewed by other departments of this jurisdiction to verify compliance with any applicable laws under their jurisdiction If the Chief Electrical Inspector finds that the work described in an application for a permit and the plans, specifications and other data filed therewith conform to the requirements of this code and other pertinent laws and ordinances, and that the fees specified in 31 Section C06 have been paid, the Chief Electrical Inspector shall issue a permit therefore to the applicant. When the Chief Electrical Inspector issues a permit, the plans and specifications shall be endorsed in writing or stamped "APPROVED" Such approved plans and specifications from the Chief Electrical Inspector, and all work regulated by this code shall be done in accordance with the approved plans. The Chief Electrical Inspector may issue a permit for the construction of part of an electrical system before the entire plans and specifications for the whole system have been submitted or approved, provided adequate information and detailed statements have been filed complying with all pertinent requirements of this code. The holders of such permits shall proceed at their own risk without assurance that the permit for the entire building, structure or building service will be granted. No permit shall be issued for installing, altering, extending or replacing any electrical wiring or equipment on any building, structure, or premises, either publicly or privately owned, within the City, if any unlawful electrical wiring or equipment exists on the same premises, until a permit to correct such conditions is first obtained by a Master Electrician, and all necessary corrections are made by an Electrician qualified to do so under the provisions of this Code (b) Retention of Plans. One set of approved plans, specifications and computations shall be retained by the Chief 32 Electrical Inspector until final approval of the work covered therein. One set of approved plans and specifications shall be returned to the applicant and shall be kept on the site of the building or work at all times during which the work authorized thereby is in progress. (c) Validity of Permit. The issuance of a permit or approval of plans and specifications shall not be construed to be a permit for, or an approval of, any violation of any of the provisions of this code, or of any other ordinance of the jurisdiction. Permits presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this code or other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid. The issuance of a permit based upon plans, specifications and other data shall not prevent the Chief Electrical Inspector from thereafter requiring the correction of errors in said plans, specifications and other data, or from preventing building operations being carried on thereunder when in violation of these codes or of any other ordinances of this jurisdiction (d) Expiration. Every permit issued by the Chief Electrical Inspector under the provisions of this code shall expire by limitation and become null and void, if the building or work authorized by such permit is not commenced within 180 days from the date of such permit, or if the building or work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned at anytime after the work is commenced for a period of 180 days. Before such work can be 33 recommenced, a new permit shall be first obtained to do so, and the fee therefore shall be one half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no changes have been made or will be made in the original plans and specifications for such work; and provided further that such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year. In order to renew action on a permit after expiration, the permittee shall pay a new full permit fee. A permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within which work may be commenced under that permit when the permittee is unable to commence work within the time required by this section for good and satisfactory reasons The Chief Electrical Inspector may extend the time for action by the permittee for a period not exceeding 180 days upon written request by the permittee showing that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being taken. (e) Suspension or Revocation. The Chief Electrical Inspector may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions of this code whenever the permit is issued in error or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or in violation of any ordinance or regulation of this jurisdiction. (f) Administrative Hold. Any administrative discrepancy including, but not limited to, delinquency in payments, returned checks, failure to pay for reinspections, investigation or registration fees, and failure to keep registration, insurance or bond up-to-date, may result in a hold being placed on issuance of 34 within the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment. 4 The electrical maintenance of specialized equipment by a manufacturer of equipment provided those persons that perform such electrical maintenance work hold a valid Maintenance Electrician License 5 The right of a homeowner from performing electrical maintenance work on his residence. (e) A Journeyman Sign Electrician shall be able to perform any type of sign and/or outline lighting work of a Master Sign Electrician, provided that such work must be performed under the supervision of a licensed Master Sign Electrician (f) A Helper or Apprentice electrician may perform electrical work only when the work is laid out for him and supervised by a Master Electrician, a Master Sign Electrician, a Journeyman Electrician, a Journeyman Sign Electrician, Maintenance Electrician, or a Residential Wireman Electrician. The supervising Master Electrician, Master Sign Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, or Journeyman Sign Electrician shall be on the job site (g) A Residential Wireman Electrician shall be able to do ' electrical work under the supervision of a Master Electrician in one- and two-family dwellings only (h) A Maintenance Electrician Trainee shall be able to perform electrical maintenance work, as defined in this code, when 38 employed by and under the supervision of a Maintenance Electrician who shall be responsible for his work. Fees Sec. C06. (aj Permit Fees. The fee for. each electrical permit shall be as set forth in Table No. C-1. Any person obtaining a permit application required by this code shall, at the time of filing, pay a permit and application fee as required by this section for the installation, relocation or replacement of any of the listed items. EBCEPTIONS: 1. Where the fees for the new structures and additions to structures have been collected on a building permit, the permit fee is not required but the permit application shall be filed before work is commenced by the person doing the work. 2. Where these permit fees are being invoiced monthly and the account is past due, late charges shall be assessed as allowed by law. The above assessed fee shall be paid before additional permits will be issued or additional inspections performed. 3. Buildings or structures owned and occupied by a Federal, State, or County entity on property owned by the Federal, State, or County entity shall be exempt from the permit fees. This exception does not apply to public school districts or county community colleges. 39 permits and performance of inspections of existing permits until the administrative discrepancy is corrected. For the purpose of this section, the term "up-to-date" shall mean that whenever any of these items are required by this or any other code to obtain a permit covered by this code, it shall be maintained current and in effect until the permit is finaled To Whom Permits May be Issued Sec. C04. No permit shall be issued to any person to do or cause to be done any work regulated by this code, except to a person holding a valid Permitting Master Electricians License Who May Do the Work Sec. C05. It shall be unlawful for any person to do or cause to be done any electrical work within the City of Fort Worth except as provided in this Code. Doing work other than what is authorized by this section is considered a violation by the worker as well as the Master and/or Contractor. (a) A Master Electrician, also referred to as a Permit Master, may contract for and engage in the business of installing, repairing, or replacing electrical wiring or equipment of any nature on or in buildings or structures other than signs. The Master Electrician 'may employ and supervise Journeyman Electricians, helpers, and apprentice electricians. 35 8xception: The Master Electrician may install, repair, or replace the primary wiring on signs A Master Electrician, also referred to as a Non Permit Master, who does not wish to engage in the business, but only wishes to work in the trade, shall pay the license fees as required for a Master but shall adhere to the provisions of this code as for a Journeyman Electrician. (b) A Journeyman Electrician shall be able to perform any type of electrical work under the supervision of a Master Electrician; or to perform any type of sign work as outlined by the ordinances of the City and under the supervision of a Master Sign Electrician, but in no case shall a Journeyman Electrician contract for or engage in the business of electrical work of any nature, nor shall he perform electrical work of any nature, except under the supervision of either a Master Electrician or a Master Sign Electrician. A Journeyman Electrician shall be able to lay out work for and to supervise helper or apprentice electricians, but shall not be able to employ same. A Journeyman Electrician may perform electrical maintenance work, as defined in this code (c) A Master Sign Electrician shall be able to contract for and engage in the business of manufacturing electrical signs, luminous gas or electric discharge signs and luminous gas or electric discharge outline lighting from the secondary wiring power 36 source or transformer in the sign and to employ and supervise Journeyman Sign Electricians and Journeyman Electricians in the performance of such work on such signs and/or outline lighting (d) A Maintenance Electrician shall be able to perform electrical maintenance work as defined in this code A maintenance electrician is not allowed to do installations or alterations Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit: 1 The right of a Master Electrician to perform such electrical maintenance work, or to limit such work being performed by a Journeyman Electrician under the supervision, direction, or control of a Master Electrician, or to prohibit a Helper and/or Apprentice from working under the direct personal and constant supervision of a Maintenance Electrician. 2 The right of a Licensed Mechanical Contractor to perform such electrical maintenance work or to limit such work being performed by an employee of the Mechanical Contractor provided that the Mechanical Contractor and the employee of the Mechanical Contractor are Licensed Maintenance Electricians. 3 The electrical maintenance of heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment by a service contractor provided such service contractor holds a valid Maintenance Electrician License and performs such work only 37 4. Work by non-City personnel on property under the control of the City of Fort Worth shall be exempt from the permit fees only if the work is for action under a contract approved by City Council with notes in the contract packages stating the fee is waived 5 Work by City personnel on property under the control of the City of Fort Worth shall be exempt from the permit fees only if the application is accompanied by a copy of the work order for the project. No permits shall be issued to any Master Electrician unless and until such Master Electrician shall have paid all fees for prior permits and inspections issued to and charged to him. (b) Inv®stigation Feea: Work Without a Permit 1. Investigation Whenever any work for which a permit is required by this code has been commenced without first obtaining said permit, a special investigation shall be made before a permit may be issued for such work. EXCEPTIONS: 1 This provision shall not apply to emergency work when it shall be proved to the satisfaction of the Chief Electrical Inspector that such work was urgently necessary and that it was not practical to obtain a permit therefore before the commencement of the work In all cases, a permit must be obtained as soon as it is practical to do so, and if there be an 40 unreasonable delay in obtaining such permit, an investigation fee as herein provided shall be charged 2. The investigation fee required shall be charged for work for which an inspection has been requested and no permit has been obtained. 2 Fee. An investigation fee, in addition to the permit fee, shall be collected whether or not a permit is then or subsequently issued The investigation fee shall be equal to the amount of the permit fee that would be required by this code if a permit were to be issued The payment of such investigation fee shall not exempt any person from compliance with all other provisions of either this code or from any penalty prescribed by law. (c) Change of Record. Any request for a record change, or any mistake made by an applicant that requires a record change, including but not limited to name or address changes, whether computer or paper record, must be requested in writing by the original applicant with a fee as specified in Table No. C-1 EXEMPTIONS: 1 For record changes that affect the permit fee, such as adding equipment or square footage, the Chief Electrical Inspector may require a separate permit for the extra items with the appropriate fee. 2 The fee will not be required for those applicants meeting exception #5 of Section C06(a) 41 (d) Fee Refunds. The Chief Electrical Inspector may authorize the refunding of any fee paid hereunder which was erroneously paid or collected Where work for which a permit has been issued does not commence, and a request is made for a cancellation of such permit within a 60-day time limit, the permit fee may be returned, upon request, minus an administration charge of $5.00 After the 60 days, no fee shall be returned. EXCEPTIONS: 1. When the investigation fee of Section C06(b) has been collected, it shall not be refunded unless paid by another party. 2. No refund will be given for the application fee. Inspections Sec. C07. (a) General. All electrical systems and equipment for which a permit is required by this code shall be subject to inspection by the Chief Electrical Inspector, and the electrical system shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved by the Chief Electrical Inspector. It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the electrical system to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes Neither the Chief Electrical Inspector nor the jurisdiction shall be liable for the expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to permit inspection When the installation of an electrical system and 42 equipment is complete, an additional and final inspection shall be made. Failure to obtain a final inspection will result in an additional administrative fee as specified in Table C-1 to be assessed Electrical systems and equipment regulated by this code shall not be connected to the energy source until authorized by the Chief Electrical Inspector t Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this code or of other ordinances of this jurisdiction. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel provisions of this code or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid (b) Inspection Requests. It shall be the duty of the electrical contractor or agent authorized by a permit to notify the Chief Electrical Inspector that such work is ready for inspection. The Chief Electrical Inspector may require that every request for inspection be filed at least one working day before such inspection is desired.. Such request may be in writing or by telephone at the option of the Chief Electrical Inspector It shall be the duty of the person requesting inspections required by this code to provide access to and means for inspection of such work (c) Operation of Electrical Equipment. The requirements of this section shall not be construed to prohibit the operation of any electrical system or equipment installed to replace existing equipment. The request for inspection of such equipment must have 43 been filed with the Chief Electrical Inspector not more than 48 hours after such replacement work is completed and before any portion of such electrical system is concealed by any permanent portion of the building. (d) Other Inspections. In addition to the called inspections required by this code, the Chief Electrical Inspector may make or require other inspections of any work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this code and other laws which are enforced by the code enforcement agency. (e) Reinspectiona. A reinspection fee. may be assessed for each inspection or reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or when corrections called for are not made. This provision is not to be interpreted as requiring reinspection fees the first time a job is rejected for failure to comply with the requirements of this code, but as controlling the practice of calling for inspections before the job is ready for such inspection or reinspection. Reinspection fees may be assessed when the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which inspection is requested, or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Chief Electrical Inspector To obtain a reinspection, the applicant shall file an application therefore in writing upon a form furnished for that 44 purpQSe, and pay the reinspection fee in accordance with Table No C-1 ` In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspections of the work will be performed until the required fees have been paid. Connection Approval Sec. C08. (a) Energy Connections. An electrical system or equipment regulated by this code for which a permit is required shall not be connected to a source of energy or power until approved by the Chief Electrical Inspector (b) Teaaporary Connections. The Chief Electrical Inspector may authorize the temporary connection of the electrical system or equipment to the source of energy or power for the purpose of testing the equipment, or for use under a temporary Certificate of Occupancy i Job Abandonment Sec. C09. If, after a permit is issued to a named licensee under the provisions hereof, said licensee abandons the job, becomes incapacitated or his services are terminated prior to final inspection and approval by the Building Official or Chief Electrical Inspector, the permit holder or his lawful/legal representative shall immediately notify the Building Official in writing. Upon such notification, the Building Official or Chief 45 Electrical Inspector shall immediately have an inspection made of the work completed to that time, and may revoke the outstanding permit and require that a new permit be obtained before the work is allowed to resume 46 TABLE NO C-1 ADMINISTRATION Electrical Board Application Fee $50.00 Permit Application Fee $10.00 Change of Record (per record or permit) $10.00 Temporary Power Letters $20 00 Reciprocal Letters $10.00 Business Letter Verification $10.00 LIGHT OUTLETS, FIXTURES, SWITCHES, RECEPTACLES Up to 100 $ 25 each All over 100 20 each FIXED .APPLIANCES Vent Fan $ 75 Smoke Detector .75 Bath Heater .75 Disposal . 75 Compactor .75 Dishwasher .75 Washing Machine .75 Water Heater 1.50 Dryer 1 50 Range 1.50 Air Conditioner - 3 to 5 ton 3 00 Air Conditioner - over 5 ton to 7 1/2 ton 5.00 Air Conditioner - over 7 1/2 ton 10.00 Heating Unit (gas) 1.50 Heating Unit (electric) .50 per KW MOTORS 1 to 3 hp $ 1.50 Over 3 to 5 hp 3.00 Over 5 to 7 1/2 hp 5 00 Over 7 1/2 hp 10 00 TRANSFORMERS, GENERATORS, AND WELDERS 0 to 10 KW $ 3.00 Over 10 KW to 20 KW 5.00 Over 20 KW 10.00 Welders 3.00 SERVICES 60 amp to 100 amp $10 00 Over 100 amp to 150 amp 15 00 Over 150 amp 20.00 MISCELLANEOUS Swimming pools $25 00 Construction pole 15 00 Sign connections, each 3 00 Failing to call for final inspections 20.00 Mobile Home Hook-ups 20 00 Submeters (buildings, leases, apts etc ) 10.00 OTHER INSPECTIONS AND FEES 1 Inspections outside of normal business hours $30 00 per hour (minimum charge - two hours) 2 Reinspection fee assessed under provisions of Section C07 (e) $20 00 47 Chapter D Licensing Scope Sec. DO1. (a). General. Every person desiring to be licensed by the City of Fort Worth to engage in the electrical business in a capacity for which a license is required by this code shall comply with this chapter Every applicant shall 1 Take and pass an examination given by the City's officially designated examining agency for the grade of license sought. r~ 2. Be the holder of a valid electrician license issued by a reciprocating city, hereafter referred to as a reciprocal license, which license has been valid for one year and is of a grar.~e equal to that for which the applicant is applying. EXCEPTION: Applicants who obtained their license in a reciprocating city as a result of having passed an examination given by this City's officially designated or approved alternate testing agency are exempt from the one year requirement or, 3. Be the holder of a certificate of examination which states that the applicant has passed an examination qualifying the applicant for the grade of license for which applying and which certificate was issued to the applicant by an alternate examining agency approved by the city in the manner prescribed herein 48 (b) Grades. There shall be six (6) grades of licenses Master, Master Sign, Journeyman, Maintenance, Journeyman Sign and Residential Wireman Electricians. (c) Company Representation. A Master Electrician who wishes to take out permits may represent only one electrical company. This electrical company must be registered with the Chief Electrical Inspector Proof of assumed name must be provided. Application. Sec. D02. (a). General. All applications for Electrical licenses shall be submitted at least five (5) working days prior to the Electrical Board meeting to the Secretary of the Board. The applicant shall submit additional documents as required in this section. (b) New licenses. The applicant for a new license shall submit the following 1. Proof of receiving a passing grade within the past 60 calendar days on an examination qualifying the applicant for the .grade of license for which applying from the City's officially designated examining agency or an approved alternate examining agency. EXCEPTION: The passing grade need not have been obtained within the last 60 calendar days provided that within 60 calendar days of obtaining the passing grade a license was obtained and has been maintained with any of the other cities cooperating in the interlocal agreement 2 Proof of required experience and/or education (Notarized letters from employers or W-2 forms of employment ) 49 3. Proof of insurance as required by Section D08. 4. A check for the first year license fee If not approved, the check will be returned. Make checks payable to the City of Fort Worth. $XC$PTION: Agencies of any Federal, State or local government shall be exempt from the payment of licensing fees- in cases where the electrician performing the work is an employee of such agency and the work is to be performed on premises owned or controlled by such agency. (c) Reciprocal licenses. The holder of a valid electrical license or certificate of registration issued by a reciprocating city may apply for the grade of license comparable to that which the applicant holds or has qualified for elsewhere without taking the written examination given by the City's officially designated examining agency The applicant for a reciprocal license shall submit the following. 1. Reciprocal letter from the city where the current license was issued. 2. Copy of current license card showing expiration date and valid picture ID (Example Drivers License, State ID, etc.) 3 Proof of required experience and/or education. (Notarized letters from employers or W-2 forms of employment.) 4 Proof of insurance as required by Section D08 5 Certificate of Occupancy for the business address or a photo of place of business showing company name and address of business 50 6. A check for the first year license fee. If not approved, the check will be returned Make checks payable to the City of Fort Worth EXCEPTION: Agencies of any Federal, State or local government shall be exempt from the payment of licensing fees in cases where the electrician performing the work is an employee of such agency and the work is to be performed on premises owned or controlled by such agency. (d) Approval. Upon receipt of all the appropriate documents and payment of the appropriate fee, the Board shall review the application. If in compliance with the requirements of this code, the Board shall certify to the Chief Electrical Inspector that the applicant is qualified for the grade of license for which applying Upon such certification, a license shall be issued to the applicant of the grade for which certified. Upon acquiring a Master or Master Sign license, a copy of this code shall be obtained (e) Issuance/Transfer. No license shall be issued under the terms of this code to any other than a natural person No license in effect, issued, or renewed under the terms of this code shall ever be transferred to or used by any other person other than the one to whom the same is issued. Nor shall a holder of a license allow his name or license to be used by any other person to obtain a permit or to perform work under such license Qualifying Experience Sec. D03. To be qualified, an applicant for a license shall have passed a required examination administered by the City's officially 51 designated examining agency, or hold a certificate of examination from an approved alternate examining agency, or hold a license or certificate of registration from a reciprocating city, and have 'the minimum qualifications and experience as listed in this section. (a) MASTER ELECTRICIAN LICENSE 1. Shall have had at least four (4) years experience as a Journeyman Electrician in the construction industry; or, 2 Shall be a graduate of a recognized Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training (a division of the U.S. Department of Labor) electrical trade school with a four (4) year curriculum and have had at least two (2) years experience as a Journeyman Electrician; or, 3. Shall have graduated after majoring in electrical engineering from an accredited college or university which has- not less than a four (4) year curriculum and shall have had at least one (1) year of practical electrical experience (b) MASTER SIGN ELECTRICIAN 1. Shall have had at least three (3) years experience as a Journeyman Sign Electrician in the installation and/or manufacturing of electrical signs, exclusive of experience devoted to non-electrical components; or, 2. Shall have graduated after majoring in electrical engineering from an accredited college or university which has not less than a four (4) year curriculum and shall have had at least eighteen (18) months 'experience of practical electrical sign experience (c) JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE 1 Shall have had at least four (4) years of electrical installation experience under a Master Electrician in the electrical construction industry; or, 52 2. Shall be a graduate of a recognized Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training electrical trade school with a four (4) year curriculum. NOTE: A Journeyman Electrician is also a Residential Wireman Electrician and may work in the capacity of a Maintenance Electrician (d) JOURNEYMAN SIGN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE 1. Shall have at least three (3) years experience in the installation of electrical sign or outline lighting equipment, exclusive of experience devoted to non-electrical components such as enclosures; or, 2. Shall have had two (2) years college credit majoring in electrical engineering in an accredited college or university; including completion of that university or college published curriculum for freshman and sophomore electrical engineering of electrical engineering major; and shall have had at least eighteen (18) months experience of practical electrical sign experience. (e) RESIDENTIAL WIREMAN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE Shall have at least two (2) years experience in the installation of electrical equipment in one- and two-family dwellings. NOTE: The residential wireman electrician license restricts the holder of such licenses to do electrical work in one- and two-family dwellings only. (f) MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN LICENSE Shall have four (4) years experience in maintaining and repairing electrical apparatus which is already installed A certificate from an approved two (2) year service maintenance training school may be deemed the equivalent of two (2) years experience Written documentation as to proof of experience and education shall be required 53 EXCEPTION: With approval of the Chief Electrical Inspector of the City of Fort Worth, a Maintenance Electrician Training License may be issued to training school graduates. Dual Qualification, Dual Licensing Sec. D04. Neither this section nor this chapter shall be construed to prohibit 1 The licensing of a Master Electrician ~as a Master Sign Electrician, provided such Master Electrician has duly qualified as a Master Sign Electrician; 2. The licensing of a Master Sign Electrician as a Master Electrician, provided such Master Sign Electrician has duly qualified as a Master Electrician; 3. The licensing of a Journeyman Electrician as a Journeyman Sign Electrician, provided such Journeyman Electrician has duly qualified as a Journeyman Sign Electrician; 4. The licensing of a Journeyman Sign Electrician as a Journeyman Electrician, provided such Journeyman Sign Electrician has duly qualified as a Journeyman Electrician; and 5. Any other licensing combination, provided that the licensing prerequisites for the issuance of each such license are duly met. Renewal Sec. D05. Any license issued under the terms of this Code shall expire January 1 of each year unless the annual fee is paid EXCEPTION: Agencies of any Federal, State or local government shall be exempt from the payment of licensing fees in cases where the electrician 54 performing the work is an employee of such agency and the work is to be performed on premises owned or controlled by such agency The holder of a Master or Master Sign license who fails to pay the annual fee due for such license within thirty (30) days of the expiration date shall be required to pay as a renewal fee for such license the same amount as the fee for the first full year plus one half The holder of a Journeyman, Journeyman Sign, Maintenance and Residential Wireman Electrician licenses who fails to pay the annual fee due for such license within thirty (30) days of the expiration date shall be required to pay as a renewal fee for such license the same amount as the fee for the first full year plus a penalty charge of ten dollars ($10 00) License Suspended, Repealed or Revoked Sec. DO6. (a) General. A license or permit may be suspended, repealed or revoked by the Building Official or Chief Electrical Inspector by reason of the occurrence of one or more of the following: 1. Adjudication of insanity; 2. Fraud or misrepresentation in obtaining a license or permit; 3. Violation of a provision of this ordinance, the Plumbing, Mechanical, or Building Codes or any other regulatory ordinances of the City applicable to the installation or alteration of appliances, equipment or systems as set forth in this code; 4 Conviction of defrauding a person for whom he has rendered or contracted to render service, 55 5. Failure to obtain a permit or the attempted assignment of a permit for others; 6. Failure to pay permit fees or the voluntary or involuntary filing of bankruptcy proceedings by or against the firm, partnership, association, or corporation; and, 7 The sending of six (6) notifications within a six (6) month period that the license is in violation of this chapter. (b) Work Suspension. Upon suspension or revocation of said Master Electrician or Master Sign Electrician License, same shall be null and void and no work thereafter may be performed thereunder. (c) Board Affirmation. Upon appeal to the Board, the Board may affirm, revise or modify such suspension or revocation Information/Identification Sec. D07. (a) Information. Each holder of a license issued under the provisions of this Code shall furnish the Chief Electrical Inspector with a written notice of any change of information, including but not limited to address, telephone number, company name, etc. When the change involves moving of the permit Master from one company to another, a fee as specified in Table No. D-1 shall be charged. Each holder of Master Electrician license shall furnish the Chief Electrical Inspector with a written notice of the address and telephone number of his regular established place of business, and if actively engaged in the electrical contracting business, a list of Journeyman Electricians and other electrical workers employed by him (b) Identification. 1 Journeyman Electricians, Journeyman Sign Electricians, Residential Wireman Electricians and Maintenance 56 Electricians shall carry their license on their person at all times . while performing electrical work, and they shall produce and present such license or permit immediately upon request by an Electrical Inspector 2. Each licensed Master Electrician and Master Sign Electrician shall have his company name and his Electrician license number as follows E or approved Universal Number, permanently affixed on each front door of each truck or vehicle which said electrician operates in connection with the installation, alteration or repair of electrical wiring, equipment or signs within the city, in letters and numerals of at least two and one-half (2 1/2) inches in height Such name and number shall be the same for all vehicles so operated by any one Licensed Master Electrician or any one Licensed Master Sign Electrician. magnetic type. Insurance Such name and number shall not be of the Sec. DO8. Each Master Electrician and Master Sign Electrician who intend on taking out permits shall furnish to the Chief Electrical Inspector a certificate of insurance as evidence of the insurance required EXCEPTION: A Master Electrician or Master Sign Electrician employed by the City of Fort Worth shall be exempt from the insurance requirement. The insurance policy shall have limits of liability in the amounts of not less than $300,000 00 per occurrence for bodily injury, including death, and not less than $100,000 00 per occurrence for property damage 57 Such insurance policy shall provide that it cannot be canceled or amended without at least thirty (30) days notice to the City of Fort Worth. The certificate of insurance shall.. clearly state the Master and/or Master Sign Electricians individual name and license number along with the name of the business and address The holder of the certificate shall be: City of Fort Worth, Department of Development, Electrical Section, 1000 Throckmorton Street, Fort Worth, Texas 7610'2 58 Table No D-1 Electrical License Fees 1. Annual License Fee* Master Electrician . Master Sign Electrician Journeyman Electrician . Journeyman Sign Electrician Residential Wireman Electrician Maintenance Electrician . $100 00 100.00 . 10.00 10 00 10 00 10 00 2. Permit Master change of business 50 00 * Annual fee is due in full on the first day of January each year Fees will not be pro rated for licenses taken out during the year. 59 Chapter E Approval of Reciprocating Cities and Examining Agencies Reciprocating Cities Sec. E01. The Electrical Board of the City of Fort Worth may list other cities as approved Reciprocating Cities under the following guidelines (a) The Board shall confirm that the electrician license or certificate of registration issued by another city is of a grade equal to that license for which the applicant is applying. (b) The Board may adjust the years of training, education, work experience or required period of experience after the issuance of the license from that city as necessary to make the license or certificate match the grade of that being applied for. (c) The Board may not require the city to test through a specific agency or organization but will evaluate the test chosen by that city as to it being equivalent to the testing standards used by the City of Fort Worth Examining Agencies Sec. E02. (a) Officially Designated Examining Agency. The City Council may authorize the City Manager to contract with an examination agency to perform examination services for the licensing of electricians; or the City Council may authorize the City Manager to contract with other cities in the North Texas Region in the form of an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement allowing the cities as a unit to contract for the services of an examining agency The selected agency shall be the City's officially designated examining agency and shall 60 perform all examination services requested by the City when issuing electrical licenses. (b) Alternate Examining Agencies. The Building Official shall be authorized to approve those examining agencies whose certificates of examination will be accepted by the City in lieu of the certificate of examination issued by the City's officially designated examining agency. Such agencies shall be known as alternate examining agencies It shall be the responsibility of the Electrical Board of the City of Fort Worth to review the qualifications and testing standards of such agencies, and to submit its recommendation to the Building Official; provided, however, that such recommendation shall be advisory only, and the final decision as to approval of an alternate examining agency and the acceptance of its certificates of examination shall be vested solely in the Building Official The Building Official shall not approve an examining agency which does not maintain examination standards at least equal to those required by this code Sec. E03. Application. A person wishing to take a test for a license issued by the City of Fort Worth shall file a written application with the City's officially designated examining agency or alternate examining agency. Such application shall be completed and filed in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the examining agency Sec. E04. Responsibilities of the Examining Agency. Examination fees, dates, times and places of the examinations, procedures for administering the examinations, grading of the examinations, examination security and examination site security, examination content, notification of examination results, repeat examinations, and appeal of examination scores, shall be the sole responsibility of the agency administering the examination 61 (c) The remaining Articles are adopted as printed except that the following specific rules are added to the noted Articles and take precedence over any general rules. ARTICLE 90 A. If electrical equipment or wiring conforms with all applicable standards of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. or other quality laboratories approved by the Chief Electrical Inspector or Electrical Board, such conformity shall be prima facie evidence that such equipment or wiring is in safe condition. B. All unused electrical equipment within or on public or private buildings or premises shall be removed if such equipment, in the opinion of the Electrical Inspector, constitutes a hazard or danger to life or property. C. The limits of penetrations in fire walls shall be as specified in the Building Code. D. The requirements for exposed conduits in commercial kitchens must meet the requirements of the engineering division of the Health Department of the City of Fort Worth. ARTICLE 100 Scope is unchanged with the addition of a third paragraph to read as follows• For the purpose of these provisions, certain terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall be construed as specified in this section. Where terms are not defined, they shall have their ordinarily accepted meanings within the context with which they are used. Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language, Unabridged, copyright 1986, shall be considered as providing ordinarily accepted meanings. Words used in the singular include the plural and the plural the singular. Words used in the masculine 62 gender include the feminine and the feminine the masculine Section A - General is unchanged except that the following terms are changed or added to read as follows: APPROVED, as to materials, equipment and method of construction, refers to approval by the Chief Electrical Inspector as the result of investigation and tests conducted by the Chief Electrical Inspector, or by reason of accepted principles or tests by recognized authorities, technical or scientific organizations APPROVED AGENCY is an established and recognized agency regularly engaged in conducting tests or furnishing inspection services, when the agency has been approved by the Chief Electrical Inspector, or the Electrical Board. HUILDINC3 CODE is the Uniform Building Code promulgated by the International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by this jurisdiction. CHIEF ELECTRICAL INSPECTOR is the officer charged with the administration and enforcement of this code, or a duly authorized representative, and is the authority having jurisdiction for this code. ELECTRICAL CODE is the National Electrical Code promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association, as adopted by this jurisdiction ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE WORK shall mean the keeping in safe repair of any and all electrical installations, apparatus, equipment and appliances and the keeping in safe repair of electrical equipment within a building or in or on the premises where the Maintenance Electrician is regularly employed on a permanent basis, but does not include the installation of new and additional electrical work, electrical equipment, electrical apparatus or appliances Provided, 63 however, service companies doing only "Electrical Maintenance" in buildings shall have a Master Electrician. FIREWALL is the same as an area separation wall as used in the Building Code. LISTED and LISTINQ are terms referring to equipment and materials which are shown in a list published by an approved testing agency, qualified and equipped for experimental testing and maintaining an adequate periodic inspection of current productions and which listing states that the material or equipment complies with accepted national standards which are approved or standards which have been evaluated for conformity with approved standards. MULTIPLE OCCUPANCY BUILDINQ is a building having more than one tenant and may be of single or mixed use groups as classified by the Building Code. OCCUPANCY is the purpose for which a building, or part thereof, is used or intended to be used. 64 ARTICLE 110 A. All installations of electrical equipment and wiring made within the City shall be made so that they will be in safe condition and will conform with the provisions of this Code, and all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations. B. If electrical equipment and installations conform with all applicable regulations set forth in the National Electrical Code and the National Electrical Safety Code, then such conformity shall be prima facie evidence that such conformity does not conflict with this Code or any other Ordinances of the City, or any State or Federal laws or regulations C.. Installations of electrical wiring and equipment not in conformance with the requirements of this Code are not in a safe condition and are a violation of this Ordinance. D. Service switches, meter, services, service overcurrent devices, and all other service equipment shall be so installed that there shall be sufficient clearance to permit ready access to such equipment, and in no case shall this clearance be less than the following amount: from a point one (1) foot on each side and one (1) foot above the highest point of such equipment down to the finished grade, the clearance shall extend straight out for a distance of four (4) feet. In the case of switchboards requiring access to the rear side, a clearance of four (4) feet shall be maintained both in back and front of such switchboards Service equipment other than switchboards may have less than one (1) foot clearance to blank walls and blank ceilings, provided that a clearance of four (4) feet is maintained directly in front of such equipment Where overcurrent protection devices shall be~ rendered unaccessible by pull-down 65 stairways, ladders, or ladders fastened to walls, etc., an approved stairway will be required E. Devices intended to break current shall have an interrupting capacity sufficient for the voltage employed and for the current which must be interrupted, and for service disconnecting means and service overcurrent protective devices, and shall be capable of interrupting safely a current of not less than ten thousand amperes at the rated voltage when connected to the underground network 66 ARTICLE 210 A. The location of smoke detectors shall be as required in the Building Code. B A minimum of one and one-fourth inch (1 1/4") raceway shall be required from a service panel to an approved load center in each heater closet. Provided, however, that all or a portion of any raceway may be installed in an attic or in the crawl space between the underfloor and ground, or in both; however, if the electric furnace is 10 KW or smaller, the raceway size may be reduced. C. Not more than eight (8) current-consuming outlets shall be connected to a 15-ampere general use branch circuit. D. Not more than ten (10) current-consuming outlets shall be connected to a 20-ampere general use branch circuit. E. Any electrical appliance rated at six (6) amperes or more shall be supplied by a separate individual circuit. F. Not more than four (4) current-consuming outlets shall be connected to a 20-ampere appliance circuit. G Conductors supplying outlets for ranges and other cooking appliances of other than the built-in type shall be of sufficient size for the range connected, but in no case shall they be smaller than number six for phase wires and number eight for neutrals. H Conductors supplying built-in type ranges and other cooking appliances shall be of sufficient size for the range connected, but in no case shall they be smaller than number six (6) for phase wires and number eight (8) for neutrals when supplying ranges of eight and three-fourths KW or larger rating Conductors supplying built-in type ranges or parts of ranges rated at from five (5) KW to less than eight and three-fourths KW shall not be smaller than number eight (8) for 67 phase wires and number ten (10) for neutrals. Conductors supplying built-in type ranges or parts of ranges of less than five (5) KW rating shall not be smaller than number ten (10) for both phase wires and neutrals. I. Where new receptacles are added in the kitchen, bathroom, garage, basement, or outside, the installation shall meet the requirements of this code, and G.F.C.I.(s) shall be installed as required by this code for those receptacles. J. In residences that are being reworked which require repair to meet F.H.A. or minimum housing codes, the ground-fault circuit interrupters will be required to be installed on existing outlets in bathrooms, garages, basements, outdoor, or around kitchen sinks. K. If a residence is damaged 500 or more by fire, it shall be rewired to comply with this code as required for new construction. L. In additions or extensions to existing residences, the number and location of receptacles in the addition or extension area shall comply with this code as required for new construction. M. All 120 volt, 15 or 20 amp receptacles installed within 6 feet of the kitchen sink must be G.F.C.I. protected. Receptacles located in fixed appliances or receptacles used to supply fixed appliances are exempted from this requirement. Receptacles located in lighting fixtures that are installed within 6 feet for the kitchen sink must be G.F.C.I. protected. EBCEPTION: The Chief Electrical Inspector may vary the requirements of this Section if an inspection reveals that no hazard would result. N. In all occupancies, receptacles shall be installed in compliance with this code provided, however, that in all areas in which electrical signs or similar devices are likely to be placed 68 behind and on wall areas over work repair benches or behind bars or serving counters, not less than one (1) duplex receptacle shall be installed for each six (6) linear feet or fraction thereof measured around the wall space of the room. In all such areas and lounges, bars, taverns, other locations where signs or similar electrical equipment are likely to be attached, or where alcohol is sold, at the ceiling Line duplex receptacles shall be installed in sufficient number that no point on any such ceiling shall be at a distance greater than ten (10) feet from at least one receptacle. O. The mechanical areas in all types of occupancies shall be adequately lighted. The areas in attics and under floors where warm air furnaces are installed shall have a permanent lighting fixture as required by the Mechanical Code. P. Areas in living rooms, dens and family rooms that are constructed below regular floor level, such as sunken conversation pits, shall contain receptacles the same as required for wall spaces Q. All roof-mounted HVAC units grouped for a multi-occupancy structure must have a 120 volt receptacle outlet located within 25 feet of each unit This receptacle can be supplied by the management (house) circuit or each receptacle outlet must be supplied by the service of each tenant R. ARTICLE 210-4. Multiwire Branch Circuits. (d) Identification of Ungrounded Conductors. Where more than one nominal voltage system exists in a building, each ungrounded system conductor shall be identified by phase and system This requirement applies only to new circuits, extensions, or alterations The means of identification shall be permanently posted at each branch-circuit panelboard S . ARTICLE 210 and 430 . A fused disconnect such as fused bussman 69 switch or SSU box shall be provided for all types of gas heating units T. ARTICLE 210 and 700. The location and illumination requirements for emergency exit electrical lighting systems shall be as required in the Building Code and installed in accordance with this code 70 A. Min (a) (b) (C) (d) (e) (f) imum Ampacity Residential Residential Residential Residential Residential Residential ARTICLE 220 Service occupancy with occupancy with occupancy with occupancy with occupancy with occupancy with 10 15 20 25 30 35 KW furnace: KW furnace: KW furnace: KW furnace: KW furnace: KW furnace: 150 Ampere. 175 Ampere. 200 Ampere. 225 Ampere. 250 Ampere. 275 Ampere. NOTE 1: The above pertains to sub-feeded apartments with a fused bussman switch or SSU box. NOTE 2: Gas heating units of all types shall be provided with a fused bussman switch or SSU box. B. The grounded (neutral) conductor must be the same size as the ungrounded phase conductors or equivalent on service entrance conductors rated 1/0 or smaller. This requirement includes feeders supplying lighting and appliance panelboards protected by a main overcurrent protection device. C. Article 220-30 of this Code, nor the optional calculation method shall be used for one- or two-family dwellings. D. ARTICLE 220-36. Optional Calculation -- New Restaurants. [This specification may apply to restaurants regarding new occupancy, new buildings, change of occupancy in existing building, or upgrading existing buildings to new electrical load requirements.] 71 ARTICLE 220 E. INDIVIDIIAL OCCIIPANCIE3 USE SINGLE PHASE 4-WIRE DELTA* 4-WIRE WYE Individual Occupancy - Commercial or Industrial Over 1200 square feet 3-150 4-100 601 to 1200 square feet 3-100 4-60 101 to 600 square feet 3-60 4-60 Under 100-Single Phase 2-60 4-60 Under 100-4-Wire Delta 4-60 Signboards Single Phase 2-60 4-Wire Delta 4-60 72 Temporary Service Polea Single Phase 2-Wire 2-40 Single Phase 3-Wire 3-40 4-Wire Delta 4-60 * Third phase 60-ampere minimum as required by load NOTL: For 3-phase service between 301 to 600 volts line-to-line, all conductors shall be a minimum of 60-ampere capacity 73 ARTICLE 225 All electrical wiring installed on the outside surface of any building including private residences, shall be: 1 Run in an approved and properly grounded metal raceway; or, 2 Type MI cable. (a) Conduits, boxes and other enclosures designed to be used exposed to the weather when properly equipped with gaskets and covers shall be so equipped with approved gaskets and covers when so used. Tape or other improvisations shall not be used in lieu of approved gaskets. (b) Equipment installed out-of-doors shall be approved for the location 74 ARTICLI~ 230 A. Outside overhead conductors shall be installed in such a manner that a minimum clearance is maintained of not less than twenty- two (22) feet above public streets 8. Where alterations or new construction by the owner of the premises or his agent reduces the clearance of outside wiring or service drops below the minimum required by this Ordinance, or where swimming pools are constructed under or in close proximity to such wiring drops, the conductors shall be relocated to the service landing and service entrance shall be relocated to provide required clearances at the expense of the owner. r C. Where alterations or new construction by the property owner or his agent interferes with or reduces the minimum protection required for underground conductors or service lateral, the underground conductors or service laterals shall be relocated to provide required protection at the expense of the owner. (Particular attention is called to underground petroleum storage tanks and swimming pools.) D. Racks and insulators shall not be secured to the surface of roof tops. Where such racks and insulators cannot be installed at a height great enough to permit the minimum clearances of conductors as required by this Code because of the construction of the building, then additional structures shall be erected as are necessary to provide such minimum clearance A service drop attachment shall be installed for each service cable Each attachment shall be of sufficient strength to support the cable but shall not be smaller than a one-half (1/2) inch galvanized steel eyebolt The minimum point of attachment to a dwelling unit is ten (10) feet at the premise and the 75 service drop must be at least ten (10) feet over the property E The point of entrance of electrical service wires on underground services and the point of landing of electrical service drops on overhead services shall be designated by the electricity supply agency and approved by the Chief Electrical Inspector. F All electrical service entrance conductors within or on any and all buildings hereafter erected or replaced on existing buildings shall be installed in: 1. A rigid metal raceway; or, 2. Electrical metallic tubing; or, 3 A metal enclosed bus duct; or, 4 Mineral insulated metal sheathed cable Type MI of equivalent sizes; and 5. All conductors supplying sub-feeded panels in apartments must be installed in a raceway system (conduits) 6 All service entrance and feeder circuit conductors entering buildings from the utility or owners power source shall comply with Sections 230-95 of this code. 7 Flexible metal conduit (Greenfield) or liquid-tight, flexible non-metallic conduit must not be used as a wiring method to route service-entrance conductors. G Raceways, bus ducts, or MI cable shall extend from the service head to the service entrance switch or switches and shall be of sufficient size for the connected load, but in no case shall such raceway be smaller than 76 1. For individual occupancies SIZE Under 600 square feet 600 to 1200 square feet Over 1200 square feet 2 For billboards 3 For temporary service on construction poles TRADE SIZE 1" 1 1/4" 2" 1" trade size 3/4" trade size 4. This section may be varied by the Chief Electrical Inspector. H. Electrical services in the network zone shall be connected to the underground network system. All permanent installations having more than two (2) two-wire circuits shall be supplied with a three- wire service. All installations having more than eight (8) two-wire circuits or four (4) three-wire circuits and service from a wye source shall be connected with a four-wire service. I. Service entrance conductors shall not be run at a distance greater than twenty (20) feet within the hollow spaces of combustible frame buildings, unless provided with automatic over-current protection at their outer ends. J On buildings where the electricity supply agency sets a transformer and extends from their transformer, a number of connection boxes for customer convenience or where the electricity supply agency designates a location for their meters, with approval of the Chief Electrical Inspector, from these locations, the service conductors to each individual occupancy shall be run either (1) under the slab, (2) 77 outside of building, or (3) on the roof, and when conductors emerge into the occupancy they shall extend no more than twenty (20) feet to service equipment, unless they have overcurrent protection at their outer end, but in no case can unfused service conductors feed through one single occupancy to another, without single ownership. K. Not less than three (3) feet of each conductor shall be left at the service head for connection to the service drop L. Where service heads cannot be installed at least ten (10) feet six (6) inches above the ground or platform and service drops cannot be installed at least ten (10) feet above the ground or platform on account of the structural form of the building, then additional structure shall be erected to afford the necessary height. This structure shall be of sufficient strength to support the attached service drops and shall be of metal protected from corrosion by cadmium, tin, zinc, or equal coating on alI surfaces. In no case shall this structure be of inferior strength to two-inch trade size heavy wall rigid steel conduit or three-inch by one-fourth inch angle iron. M. Where the service mast pierces the roof, the roof shall be reinforced by a two-inch by six-inch timber secured underneath and adjacent to the roof structure through the center of which the mast shall pass. N. All facilities for the installation of meters shall meet the metering requirements as set out by the electricity supply agency and be approved by the Chief Electrical Inspector The electricity supply agency shall mail all such requirements together with all changes to all Master Electricians listed with the Chief Electrical Inspector O All sealed type meter sockets shall be installed not less than four (4) feet and not more than six (6) feet from the center of such 78 f sockets to the finished grade level of the ground or of the floor. P. When a building or structure is served underground and because the construction of the building or structure is such that the minimum four-foot height cannot be met, then the minimum height from the center of the meter socket to the finished grade level of the ground or of the floor may be reduced to three (3) feet upon the approval of the Chief Electrical Inspector. Q Where meters originally installed in accessible places satisfactory to the electricity supply agency are rendered inaccessible by virtue of alterations or new construction, such meters shall be reinstalled in accordance with the provisions of this Code at the expense of the owner. R One to six switches or circuit breakers shall be permitted to be installed for each meter per 230-71 and 230-72 of this code. 79 S ARTICLE 230 ILLUSTRATION h LOCATION OF SERVICE HEAD SERVICE HEAD DON ~pCg ~~ EYE BOLT ROOF' ~\ /ISERVICB HEAD SHAId. BS PLATE ~ ~ ~% ~ ABOVg P0~ OF ATTACHMENT POINT' OF ATTACIiI~-NT OF SERVICE DROP CONDUCTOR8 'PVI~~~ ING OR EXCEPTION: SERVICE HEAD BELOW POINT OF ATTACHMENT SERVICE HEAD O THB SERV[GB HEAD MAY BB LOCATED NO FiJTCiHTStt THAN !4• FROM POINT OF ATTACI~NT IIKPRACTICABLE TO LOCATE SERVICE HBAD ABOVE THS POIIVT OF ATTACHMENT DIAGRAMS SHOW LOCATIONS OF SERVICE HEAD REQUIRED BY N.E.C. ALSO SHOW AN ERCEPTION. 'T'HE ERCEPTION SHALL BE DE'TERI~ONED BY THE AREA INSPECTOR 80 T. All meters and bases damaged by wind or fallen trees, etc., must be inspected by the Electrical Inspection Department before the power is reconnected by the utility company U. Service entrance switches or any service equipment shall not be installed within a bathroom, toilet room, closet, or cabinet. Such equipment may be installed in utility rooms, machinery rooms, or storage rooms, provided such installation is accessible and is in compliance with the requirements of this code V. See the Building Code for the installation of sprinkler heads located over service equipment. 81 ARTICLE 240 A. Overcurrent devices shall not be installed or located within a clothes closet, cabinet, toilet room, bathroom, or near easily ignitable material. Overcurrent devices shall be readily accessible. B Tie-bars used to connect circuit breakers together shall be of a type designed for and approved for such purpose Nails, wires, and similar improvisions shall not be used in lieu of approved bars C. ARTICLE 240-6. Standard Ampere Ratings. (b) Adjustable Trip Circuit Breakers. EXCEPTION: [A locked door providing entrance to a service equipment room housing electrical equipment is considered to meet the requirements of this section. A service equipment room may include other equipment used for the operation of the facilities ] ARTICLE 250 A. Grounding electrode conductors shall be copper. B. Supplementary grounding when using metal water piping as a grounding electrode will not be required if there is twenty (20) feet or more of rigid metal piping or copper piping buried in the earth underneath the foundation steel C. Where a metal water pipe is not present, a number four (4) bare copper conductor must be placed in the foundation The grounding electrode conductor must be sized per Table 250-94 based on the largest underground phase conductor D. Supplementary grounding is not required when a number four (4) 82 bare copper conductor 20 foot in length is placed in the foundation footing or beam in direct contact with earth 83 ARTICL$ 300 A. All electrical wiring methods used within or on all buildings hereafter erected and all alterations in and additions to such wiring in or on buildings now existing shall be: (a) Type MI cable. (b) Approved raceway system, approved multioutlet assemblies second or approved cable assembly except any cable covered in Articles 336, 338, 339. (c) Aluminum sheathed cable systems. (d) Limited use of interlocking armored power cable for feeder circuits in accessible locations is permitted, provided the cable is not subject to mechanical injury, the cable is 1/0 or larger, and is supported by and securely fastened to a suitable metal rack or tray which is designed for such purpose and which is made ~ electrically continuous throughout its length and properly grounded at the source end SPECIAL EXCEPTION: (1) The provisions of this Section shall apply to all buildings used as a combination living quarters and a business, commercial, or industrial establishment. (2) The provisions of this section shall not apply to Group R1 apartment houses, Group R3 Occupancies and Group M Occupancies as defined in the Building Code The provisions of this section shall apply to the separate branch service conductors to individual apartment breaker panels, to occupancies other than Group R1, Group R3 and to occupancies where two or more washing machines or drying Qa machines are located and to mechanical buildings and other nonresidential occupancies. B. exposed raceways and cables shall be run parallel or at right angles to buildings lines and securely fastened to structured parts of the buildings. C. Type AC cable and 3/4" conduit with boxes can be supported to the suspended ceiling wires in buildings without adding extra supports D. ARTICLE 300-4. Protection Against Physical Damage. Where subject to physical damage, conductors shall be adequately protected. (d) Cables and Raceways Parallel to Framing Members. In both exposed and concealed locations, where a cable- or raceway-type wiring method is installed parallel to framing members, such as joists, rafters, or studs, the cable or raceway shall be installed and supported so that the nearest outside surface of the cable or raceway is not less than 1 1/4" inches (31.8 mm) from the nearest edge of the framing member where nails or screws are likely to penetrate. Where this distance cannot be maintained, the cable or raceway shall be protected from penetration by nails or screws at each support location by a steel plate, sleeve, or equivalent at least 1/16 inch (1.59 mm) thick This measurement requirement is from the exposed edge only. ARTICLE 305 A All temporary construction sites shall be installed as per the following diagrams The disconnects on the poles shall be either an approved enclosure, or an approved disconnecting means feeding receptacles under the disconnect Weatherproof enclosure shall be 85 ~ 1 use to mount devices. All receptacles shall be wired to meet this code and all grounding conductors shall be green. This green grounding conductor shall be connected to all the devices. Grounding through metal conduit shall not be allowed. 8. All employees using power from all 120 volt single phase 15 and 20 ampere receptacles on construction sites shall furnish their own ground-fault circuit interrupters, connected to cords receiving energy from the temporary pole to protect them from electrical shock,, or G.F.C.I. breakers must be installed at the temporary pole. C. All apartment construction sites that cover a large area and all large construction sites, such as regional shopping centers and high-rise buildings shall use either the methods set out as stated above and/or an assured grounding procedure. D. Where a written procedure is continuously enforced by a designated individual at the construction site to indicate that equipment grounding conductors for 120 volt, single phase, 15 and 20 ampere receptacles, flexible cord sets, and equipment connected by cord and plugs are installed and maintained in accordance with these requirements, the procedure shall include electrical continuity tests of all required equipment, grounding conductors and their connections. Those tests shall be conducted as follows: (This can be done by letter or approved by Area Inspector.) (a) Fixed receptacles shall be tested where there is evidence of damage. (b) Flexible cord sets (extension cords) shall be tested before use on the construction site. All flexible cord sets shall be tested where there is evidence of damage. (c) Equipment connected by cord and plug shall be tested: (1) before first use on construction site; (2) where there is Q~ evidence of damage; (3) after any repairs; and (4) at intervals not exceeding three (3) months. E. Temporary lighting and power installation, such as that erected on vacant lots used for the sale and display of Christmas trees during the Holiday Season, shall meet clearance requirements and all other requirements of this Code. F. In the event that employees desire to use power equipment on these locations, they shall provide their own G F.C I protection G. TEMPORARY SERVICE POLE - OVERHEAD SECONDARY oaorrr.as ti *~~ r pmt ssec~s C ::.~ A Q` A ~ ~ ~ MWi YM\r 1 .(1 ~ Z = k i ~ m gt ~ ~ ~~' f ~~ ~;;~~ errxovaa ~~ uicreo~s 87 1. Temporary service pole provided and installed by customer must provide sufficient height for the service drop to meet minimum clearances. 2. Service pole must be within 100 ft, of nearest distribution pole for 100 ampere service entrance and less. Reduced distance may be required for larger services or to maintain minimum clearances. 3. Service drop (conductors, service grips and service connectors) shall be owned and installed by utility company 4. Service entrance conductors provided and installed by customers shall have 30" minimum length of conductors to extend outside the service head for connection to service drop. Minimum #8 copper or #6 aluminum conductor to be code approved. Phase conductors - - black insulation. Neutral conductors -- white insulation or bare. 5. Service head and raceway provided and installed by Master 1 Electrician to protect service entrance conductors shall have two conduit straps minimum 6. Service attachment and meter socket shall be provided by utility company and installed by Master Electrician, except service attachment installed by utility company on wood pole. 7. Meter shall be provided and installed by utility company 8. Weatherproof service switch (or breakers) and receptacles shall be provided and installed by Master Electrician. Minimum switch capacity of 60 amperes is required 9 Customer's grounding conductor shall be #6 copper minimum (Electrical Code 250-91) to approved electrode (Electrical Code 250-81). Utility company will check customer ground before installing electric service 10 All other materials provided and installed by Master Electrician 88 H. TEMPORARY SERVICE POLE - UNDERGROUND SECONDARY i 1. Temporary service pedestal shall be located in utility easement 2 Opening in side of utility company's temporary service pedestal for entrance of service conductors shall have the connections made by utility company 3 Customer's temporary service pole shall be located within 10 feet or less of temporary service pedestal. Location must be such that the service cable will not be driven over or walked over 4 Customer's service cable, #8 copper or #6 aluminum minimum to be of heavy duty power cord or other approved cable assembly and to be long enough to connect to utility company temporary service pedestal Liquid tight flexible metal conduit with two or three single conductors may be used 89 1 1p ~$~@I 1 1 1 Itl ~ 1 1 1 Iq j ~ r *~L II 5. One-inch threaded conduit fitting with lock washers and suitable cable grip is necessary for connecting to the temporary service pedestal. Conductors to extend 18 inches beyond conduit fitting for connection source. 6. Customer's conduit bushing or fitting required to protect service cable 7. Customer shall install required raceway. 8. Meter socket provided by utility company and installed by Master Electrician. 9. Meter shall be provided and installed by utility company. 10. Weatherproof service switch (or breakers) and receptacles shall be provided and installed by Master Electrician. Minimum switch capacity of 60 amperes is required 11. Customer's grounding conductor shall be #6 copper minimum (Electrical Code 250-91) to approved electrode (Electrical Code 250-81) Utility company will check customer ground before installing electrical service 90 ARTICLE 310 A Where conductor sizes are given in this code, they shall be used in accordance with Table 310-16 through Table 310-19 of this code Note: No (3) of the notes to Tables 310-16 through 310-19 shall not apply. B Aluminum conductors shall have connectors of proper size and approved for such connection. All aluminum connectors, lugs and splice connections shall be treated with approved inhibitor for minimum wire size of No. 8. All aluminum conductors of all wire sizes shall be treated with approved inhibitors that are connected to breakers, lugs and other approved terminals in service panels, meter sockets, gutters or junction boxes All connectors shall be wire brushed or scraped to remove oxide film immediately before inserting into connectors. (a) Conductors used in locations which are exposed to both rain and sun, such as roof tops, shall be approved for both wet locations and for temperatures of not less than 75 degrees Centigrade (167 degrees Fahrenheit) such as Type RHW or RH-RW, TFiWN conductors or Type MI cable (b) Conductors approved for a minimum of 60 degrees Centigrade, such as Type TW, shall be derated to seventy percent (70%) of normal carrying capacity when used in locations which are exposed to the sun C Conductors approved for dry locations only, such as Type RH and THHN shall not be installed in locations which extend to and include wet locations such as service entrance conductors supplied by outside overhead service drops 91 D. Lead covered conductors shall be installed in an approved raceway system. E Conductors run around and by the bathtub area must be installed below bathtub rim level or protected by an approved raceway. F. ARTICLE 310 and 710. Underground conductors other than street lighting conductors having a voltage greater than 600 volts between conductors shall be enclosed in an approved raceway ARTICLE 333 Type AC cable shall have the bonding conductor either copper or aluminum folded over and around the outer covering to insure electrical continuity (FPN in a neat and workman-like manner). ~~ 9 2 ARTICLE 336 ARTICLE 336 and 333. Cable in attic. ILLUSTRATION In accessible attics. a Unprotected surfaces ACCESSIBLE ATTIC Pall~down stair Bails in ladder. a' s~p v hiEh a cable 1\ pi'O~O°''~ IE atek has three fed (S~ or lest' protecdo° Brill be fired ody around hatia~ egaipmen~ and is area amaad stair to attic. j i 1 INACCFSSIBLE ATTIC The above requirements on cable in accessible attics shall comply with this code We have made an exception for attics with head room of three feet (3') or less and also if cable is placed where rafter meets ceiling joists 93 Caard strip shall be required ~Scuttie hole or entrance to attic. foc able within siz feet (tip of scuttle hole. ARTICLE 348 Electrical Metallic Tubing shall not be installed in the ground or in concrete slabs poured on the ground. ARTICLE 350 Flexible metal conduit shall be used in exposed locations where flexibility is required because of vibration or adjustment needs, and then only in lengths not greater than needed and in no case shall such sections be greater than six (6) feet in length except by special permission. ARTICLE 370 ARTICLE 370 AND 410. Ceiling boxes installed for lighting fixtures, lampholders or ceiling fans shall not be scabbed to the side of a ceiling joist or any other structural member of a building. Such ceiling boxes shall be supported by headers designed for and approved for the purpose, by structural members of the building centered over the box, or by two-inch wood headers. If wood headers are used, boxes shall be secured to them by screws protected from rust .and corrosion and approved for the purpose. ARTICLE 384 A. The height above the floor to the center of lighting and appliance branch circuit panel boards shall not be less than four (4) feet or more than six (6) feet. 94 B. The high leg of 120/240 Volt 3 phase 4 wire service shall not be terminated in the same panel board with single phase lighting and power. ARTICLE 410 A Not more than four (4) heavy-duty lamp holders shall be connected to a 20-ampere lighting circuit B Not more than three (3) heavy-duty lamp holders shall be connected to a 15-ampere branch lighting circuit. C. Lighting fixtures installed on poles or premises used on a continuous basis to illuminate parking areas or for security lighting must be directed away from adjacent properties. ARTICLE 514 All areas where electrical conduit is installed within twenty (20) feet of gasoline feeder lines shall be classified as Class One, Division Two, as defined by this Code. ARTICLE 550 Service for mobile homes shall be not less than one hundred (100) ampere capacity ARTICLE 555 A Electrical installation. Wiring and electrical equipment installed on piers, wharves, docks, or similar locations shall 95 specifically conform to the requirements of this code B. Service Equipment. Service equipment, including service disconnecting equipment, meters, and associated equipment, and the main switchboard or panel, shall not be installed in wet locations, and shall be protected against access by unauthorized persons. In other respects, the service installation shall be in compliance with the. requirements of Article 230. EXCEPTION: Equipment may be installed in locations exposed to weather and unprotected if they are specifically approved for that use. C. Feeders and Branch Circuits on Piers. The load for each underground .feeder and service conductor supplying receptacles for the connection of power to boats shall be calculated in accordance with Article 555. (a) Feeder circuits extending from the main service equipment, which are intended for use in providing shore power to one or more boats, shall be of the 3-wire, grounded neutral, single- phase type of 110/220,.115/230, 120/240 volts, or 120/208 volts 3-phase Y, according to availability from the local public power source The minimum feeder conductor size shall be No 10 AWG; the minimum service conductor size shall be No 8 AWG D Wiring Methods. The wiring method shall specifically conform with Section 555-6. 96 (a) Electrical wiring shall be installed underground to avoid possible contact with masts and other ,parts of boats being moved in the yard. Underground electrical installations shall comply with the requirements of this Code. EXCEPTION 1: Where underground wiring is not practical. EXCEPTION 2: Where temporary wiring is appropriate as permitted by Article 305. E. $lectrical E~:quipment Enclosures. Electrical equipment enclosures installed on piers above deck level shall be securely and substantially supported by structural members, independent of any conduit connected to them. If enclosures are not attached to mounting surfaces by means of external ears or lugs, the internal screw heads shall rest on gaskets to prevent seepage of water through mounting holes. F. Receptacle Outlets. Receptacles intended to supply shore power to boats and to general purpose outlets shall be housed in power outlets approved for marine use (a) Receptacles that provide shore power for boats shall be rated not less than twenty (20) amperes and shall be single and of the locking and grounding type conforming to ANSI C73 (including supplement C73a-1980), Dimensions of Attachment Plugs and receptacles The slot configurations and ratings are shown in ANSI C73 in Figure 1, Appendix B 97 (b) Each single receptacle that supplies shore power for boats shall be supplied by an individual branch circuit of the voltage class and rating corresponding to the rating of the receptacle (c) Fifteen- (15) and twenty- (20) ampere outdoor receptacles, other than those supplying shore power to boats, shall be protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters They may be housed in power outlets with the receptacles that provide shore power to boats, provided a marking clearly indicates that they are not to be used to supply power to boats (d) Portable tools connected to such receptacle outlets shall be double insulated G Adapter Cord Sets. When the use of adapter cord sets is necessary to mate receptacles intended to supply shore power to the boat with the power inlet on the boat, only unmodified manufactured devices shall be used and all devices shall be individually inspected. H. The use of adapters or adapter cord sets that have been altered to defeat the intended blade and slot configuration of devices used in bringing shore power to marine vessels shall be prohibited I Lighting Fixtures. Lighting fixtures shall conform to the requirements of this code (Sections 410-4, 410-5, and 410-6), and additionally shall be located to prevent. damage of contact with stored or moving material 98 J Location. Any structure which extends fifty ( 50 ) feet or more from the shoreline (measured perpendicular to the shoreline at any point) shall provide continuous and adequate lighting from one (1) hour after sunset to one (1) hour before sunrise each calendar day. (a) The lighting stations required by this section shall be as follows 1 Structures fifty (50) feet or less. If only one light per station, per exterior side is required, the light station shall be on the end or side of the structure farthest from the shoreline. 2. Structure over fifty (50) feet. If any exterior side of the structure exceeds fifty (50) feet in distance, one light station shall be located at a point no more than fifty (50) feet from the shoreline, and one station shall be on the end of the structure farthest from the shoreline, and such other stations required by this section shall be so placed as to be at points no more than fifty (50) feet from any other required light station. K. Switches. Switches for control of individual lighting fixtures, located where exposed to the weather or splash, shall be of a type approved for that location. L Grounding. Effective grounding of all noncurrent-carrying metal parts of the electrical system, and provision of suitable equipment-grounding facilities at all outlets provided for the connection of portable equipment and all outlets provided for the connection of shore power to vessels afloat, are of utmost importance 99 in marinas, boatyards, boat basins, and similar establishments The means and methods of providing an effective ground to the noncurrent- carrying metal parts of the electrical system and for equipment and -~ portable appliances connected thereto shall comply with the requirements of this code (Article 250). (a) There shall be installed a common equipment grounding conductor of not less than No 12 AWG, arranged in accordance with the requirements of this Code (Article 250), properly attached to the interior of all metallic boxes, housing, and enclosures and properly connected to the grounding facility of all receptacles. Metal inserts and metal attachments that are externally and internally exposed on nonmetallic boxes and enclosures shall be connected to the common ground. Said equipment grounding conductor shall terminate at the distribution panel ground and shall specifically conform to the requirements of this code (Section 555-7). (b) The partial or complete burial of a metal enclosure in earth shall not be accepted as a substitute for the grounding requirements as provided herein with respect to such enclosure (c) Metal poles, lighting standards, -and other metal supports that carry or enclose electrical wiring shall be grounded M Hazardous Locations. The entire electrical system installed in a hazardous (classified) location shall comply with the requirements given in Article 500 and in addition when required by the 100 conditions, with the requirements of this standard related to damp and wet locations. r N. Locations. Enclosures shall be approved for the location in which they are installed (a) Dry The entire electrical system installed in a dry location shall comply with the requirements of this Code. (b) Damp The entire electrical system installed in a damp ~ location, as defined in Article 100, shall be composed of materials suitable for the purpose as defined in Article 100. (c) Wet. The entire electrical system in a wet location as defined for marinas and boatyards shall be composed of materials suitable for wet locations as defined in Article 100. O. Maintenance. An inspection of all electrical wiring, ground connections, conduit, hangars, supports, connections, outlets, appliances, devices and portable cables installed or used in a marina, boatyard, boat basin, or similar establishment shall be made at regular intervals to assure a complete inspection at least annually. All corroded, worn, broken or improper materials shall be replaced or repaired immediately. The use of tape to repair broken or cracked insulation of jackets on flexible cables or cords shall be prohibited The inspection shall take particular notice of the following conditions, and corrective action shall be taken as appropriate- (a) Areas being used for purpose not originally contemplated and that introduce hazards greater than those for which the 101 electrical system was designed (b) Locked or otherwise restricted areas or equipment being left open. (c) The use of grounding-type portable electrical equipment that is not property and adequately grounded (d) Special attention to be given to shore power cable sets used by vessels for connection to shore power outlets. Shore power cable sets shall not be permitted to lie on or across pier walkways or to trail into the water. (e) Flexible cords being used for purposes not in accordance with this code, for example, used for permanent wiring. (f) Damaged or inoperative switches, lighting fixtures, and receptacle outlets. (g) Overloading of electrical circuits. (h) The introduction of unsuitable appliances into hazardous area. P Floating buildings shall be wired per Article 553 Q Retroactive Requirements. All marinas, boatyards, piers and docks in existence prior to the effective date of this ordinance shall, as a minimum, comply with the requirements as specified in 102 Ordinance 10671, the adoptive ordinance of the 1990 National Electrical Code 103 ARTICLE 600 ARTICLE 600-11. Outdoor Portable Sigma. Outdoor signs that are portable or mobile shall not be illuminated by any electrical source 104 ARTICLE 680 A. All swimming and diving platforms or other pool structures over twelve (12) feet in height shall be located at least ten (10) feet from the nearest utility easement, alley or property, and if any overhead wiring shall be in existence over a proposed swimming pool site, the owner who proposes to construct such swimming pool shall make arrangements with the appropriate electricity supply agency for the relocation of such overhead wiring before a permit will be issued for the construction of such swimming pool. B. Underground wiring shall not be permitted under the pool or under the area extending five (5) feet horizontally from the inside wall of the pool C. Electrical equipment must be installed at least five (5) feet from the water's edge of pool. D. Should the pool or deck be poured prior to inspection, either the concrete must be removed to inspect steel or be megged by a registered professional electrical engineer. 105 E ARTICLE 680. Method of Grounding Swiamning Pool ~cvenn c~A OA REINFORQNG __. _~ The requirement for grounding of a swimming pool in the City of Fort Worth is as follows: 1 As per diagram above, start the ground wire at the deck box and go all the way around the pool, keeping the conductor inside the pool walls Ground each metal object and leave loops out to ground the deck steel as per diagram. The ground wire will continue all the way around the pool and return to the deck box and shall be connected to the same bolt. 2. Where the deck steel or reinforcing is the mesh type, a split bolt type connector shall be used to assure the grounding of this mesh 3 The above system of grounding will enable the pool contractor to excavate the pool, install rebar for pool and pour the bottom of pool before electrician has to ground This should give everyone time to accomplish the grounding and call for inspection before the Gunite is applied 106 F. ARTICLE 680. Clearances of Service and Components Elements. PROPERTY LWE x x ~x ~----x~ x I x POOL I ~'Q11Y ~ 8 I HOUSB PATIO ( x ALLBY i ~ I x i x I x x I BI.ECfRICAI: POWB4 DROP ~TI7LITY POLE x x x 1 The minimum distance from pool to property line is five (5) feet 2 No electrical equipment shall be placed within five (5) feet of water's edge without approval 3. Receptacles shall be located at least ten (10) feet from the water's edge Receptacles located within twenty (20) feet of the water's edge shall be protected by a ground-fault circuit- interrupter 107 4 Lighting fixtures and lighting outlets located not less than five (5) feet nor more than sixteen (16) feet, measured horizontally from the water's edge, shall be protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter installed in the branch circuit. 5. Pool underwater lights shall be on ground-fault circuit- interrupter. 6 Underground conductors shall be at least five (5) feet from water's edge. Overhead conductors shall be at least ten (10) feet from water's edge. 7 The minimum distance from pool to utility easement is five (5) feet. 8 All swimming pools and diving platforms shall be located at least ten (10) feet from the nearest utility easement or alley, and if any overhead wiring shall be in existence over a proposed swimming pool site, the owner shall make arrangements with the appropriate electricity supply agency for the relocation of such overhead wiring before a permit will be issued for the construction of such swimming pool G ARTICLE 680. Special Requirements. 1. Other than pools for single or two family dwellings, all permanently installed pools shall have adequate underwater lighting to illuminate the entire bottom of the pool 108 2 Access door must be provided for hot tubs, spas and hydromassage bathtubs to provide access to wiring methods and motors. 3. A cord and plug can be used as a disconnecting means for the recirculating pump motor in a hydromassage bathtub. ARTICLE 725 Class One circuits, as defined by this Code, shall be installed in properly supported and grounded rigid conduit, electrical metallic tubing, or Type MI cable. ARTICLE 760 The requirements of fire alarm systems must be installed per this code and the Fire Code Section 2 Article VIII of Chapter 29 of the City Code, Sections 29-136 through 29-161 are hereby replaced with the following: ARTICLE VIII. ELECTRICAL STANDARDS Section 29-136. General. All electrical installation relating to signs, outline lighting or other equipment under the authority of this code shall be installed, replaced, removed, altered, repaired or maintained in accordance with the provisions of the Electrical Code The Buildinct Official may confer with the Chief Electrical Inspector on the 109 technical aspects of the Electrical Code as it relates to this code, but interpretation authority, as it relates to this code, shall remain with the Building Official (Note: For the convenience of the Sign Code user, and with permission of the National Fire Protection Association, Article 600 as adopted in the Electrical Code may be reproduced in the pamphlet form of the Sign Code ) Section 3 This ordinance shall be cumulative of all provisions of ordinances and of the Code of the City of Fort Worth, Texas (1986), as amended, except where the provisions of this ordinance are in direct conflict with the provisions of such ordinances and such code, in which event conflicting provisions of such ordinances and such code are hereby repealed. Section 4 It shall be unlawful for any person to install, alter or repair any electrical equipment in the City or cause the same to be done contrary to or in violation of any provision of this Code. Any person, firm, or corporation who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects, or refuses to comply with or who resists enforcement of any of the provisions of this Code with respect to fire and life safety shal"1 be fined not more than Two Thousand Dollars ($2, 000.00) for each offense, and with respect to all other provisions of this Code shall be fined not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500 00) for each offense Each 110 day that a violation is permitted to exist shall constitute a separate offense. Section 5 It is hereby declared to be the intention of the City Council that the sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, and phrases of this ordinance are severable, and, if any phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section of this ordinance shall be declared void, ineffective, or unconstitutional by the valid judgement or final decree of any court of competent jurisdiction, such voidness, ineffectiveness, or unconstitutionality shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs, and sections of this ordinance, since the same would have been enacted by the City Council without the incorporation in this ordinance at any such void, ineffective, or unconstitutional phrase, clause, sentence, paragraph, or section. Section 6 All rights and remedies of the City of Fort Worth, Texas are expressly saved as to any and all. violations of the Ordinance No. 10671, as amended, or any other ordinances affecting construction and fire safety, which have accrued at the time of the effective date of this ordinance; and, as to such accrued violations and all pending litigation, both civil and criminal, whether pending in court or not, under such ordinances, same shall not be affected by this ordinance but may be prosecuted until final disposition by the courts. 111 Electrical permits heretofore issued under existing ordinances shall be valid for the time being for which they are issued under the existing Electrical Code, but, upon expiration thereof, the same shall be void. Section 7. This ordinance constitutes a digest and revision of the Electrical Code of the City of Fort Worth, as provided in Section 2, Chapter XXV, and Section 9, Chapter XXVII, of the Charter of the City of Fort Worth. The City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth, Texas, is hereby authorized to publish this ordinance in pamphlet form. for general distribution among the public, and the operative provisions of this ordinance, as so published, shall be admissible in evidence in all courts without further proof than the production thereof, as provided in Chapter XXV, Section 3, of the Charter of the City of Fort Worth, Texas. Section 8. The City Secretary of the City of Fort Worth, is hereby directed to publish the caption, penalty clause, and effective date of this ordinance for two (2) days in the official newspaper of the City of- Fort Worth, Texas, as authorized by Section 2, Chapter XXV of the Charter of the City of Fort Worth, Texas and by Section 52 013 (a) of the Texas Local Government Code ``'` 112 ~ '~~., ~, ~~. - ~.t: <.. -`,. ,~ _ Section 9. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after its passage and publication, and it is so ordained APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY !~._` Assistant City Attorney Date: ~ °-- ~ Z -- 9 S~ Adopted : -~ ~ ~' 7 Effective J' ~~-l~'fr` ~~~ 113 A' City of Fort Worth, Texas ' Mayor and Council Communication DATE REFERENCE NUMBER LOG NAME PAGE 03/23/95 G11O12 06ELEC 1 of 2 SUBJECT ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 1993 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE RECOMMENDATION It is recommended by the Electrical Board that the City Council adopt the 1993 edition of the National Electrical Code as the Electrical Code of the City of Fort Worth and amend the electrical section of the Sign Code to reference this new code A copy of the ordinance is on file in the City Secretary's Office DISCUSSION The technical portions of the basic code present no major changes that would significantly affect industry We have modified the existing local amendments We believe these modifications to be more fair to the electrical industry and are in keeping with our general goal of bringing all of the codes within the same format The modification items that need to be mentioned are as follows 1 New administrative chapters A through E have been added Many of the provisions already existed They were renumbered and reorganized New paragraphs were added or reworded to complete the chapters These administrative provisions now match the Building, Mechanical and Plumbing administrative provisions making all construction codes uniform One notable change will create a decrease in industry fees and a loss of revenue for the city The current Electrical Code charges a reinspection fee for any failing inspection regardless of how minor the problem The other codes and this proposed ordinance only charge a reinspection fee for certain reasons This will reduce our current annual revenue from reinspection fees from about 560,000 to an estimated amount of 530,000 This does not decrease our work load, for we must still reinspect It reduces the charges and treats this industry as we treat the other trade industries 2 In an effort to make the technical local amendments more user friendly, we have reformatted the amendments to follow along with the basic code and renumbered them to correspond with the section to which they apply 3 One onerous local amendment was removed Th,s former amendment required a major electrical upgrade to a residence if they did certain improvements Electrical Contractors could not accurately bid small repair jobs Homeowners were left to wonder if a small 5150 repair job would be approved or turned into a 51500 upgrade by the Electrical Inspector We believe this encouraged homeowners to attempt their own repairs or hire contractors who would do the work without permits and inspections i- ~ Printed on recycled paper City of Fort Worth, Texas Mayor and Council Communication DATE 03/23/95 REFERENCE NUMBER G11012 LOG NAME 06ELEC PAGE 2 of 2 SUBJECT ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 1993 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE After review of this provision, it was decided that it was not accomplishing its intended goal It, in fact, was probably creating a worse hazard by encouraging homeowners to do work without inspections It was decided to remove the provision and leave existing wiring, installed in accordance with the code in effect at time of installation, as is All during their review of the proposed ordinance, the Board considered the basic code and local amendments to insure a) that requirements are necessary to provide a minimum level of safety, and b) the most economical way to achieve the minimum level of safety was reached, and c) consideration was given to optimize the desires of Council to encourage development and construction A public hearing was held by the Board on February 1, 1995 There were no opposing arguments against the proposed ordinance MG w Submitted for City Manager's FUND ACCOUNT CENTER AMOUNT CITY SECRETARY Office by: (to) Ann Kovich 8901 /'1r"ff~fR/Y ~A.7 Originating Department Head: CITY G'~~lI1E. Ann Kovich 8901 (from) ~~. For Additional Information ~ ~ Contact: City 3eeraetozy of ate City of Fort dI-ott~,'Faans Ann Kovich 8901 +~~ Printed on recycled paper